Leo J. Spano

Leo J. Spano, 100, of Rockville, Maryland, departed this life on January 23, 2024. A native New Yorker, Leo was born on April 30, 1923 in Manhattan and raised in Astoria, Queens. He was the son of Italian immigrants, Michael and Antoinette Spano. The beloved husband to the late Elizabeth (née Meehan), Leo will be lovingly remembered by his children John (Christine), Catherine (Drew), and Marie Spano and his beloved grandchildren William, Anthony, Elizabeth, Gabriella, and Caroline. He was the brother of the late Charles, Joseph and Philip Spano and is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Leo was a veteran of WWII, serving as a Merchant Marine with the United States Coast Guard in the Atlantic and Pacific Combat Zones. He then went on to become a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve for 30 years. A graduate of New York State Maritime Academy, he served as a pilot in New York Harbor. After the war Leo settled in Washington, DC, receiving a B.S. from Georgetown University and an MBA from American University. He then went on to work as a Transportation Officer with the Military Sealift Command, Department of Defense. Leo worked tirelessly for many years with active Merchant Marine retirees and Congress to substantiate their war service for retiree pay and benefits.

A lifelong, natural athlete, Leo played street hockey in the streets of New York while growing up, earning him the nicknames of Rocky and Gooch. He also played competitive baseball as a shortstop and second baseman. As an adult, he was an active tennis player and later a dedicated and successful coach to his children's youth sports teams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with a visitation beforehand at 9:30 a.m. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Rockville, MD. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to NY State Maritime College (https://www.sunymaritime.edu/donate-now). Please sign the online guest book at