Dan John Spiro went to join his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa. He was born September 1, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Jane Spiro. He attended Kelvyn Park High School, Greek Orthodox Seminary in Pomfret, Connecticut and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He went on to receive a Masters of Theology from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois and also received a Masters if Psychology from Sangamon State University. He married Martha Stelloh Weber in 1974 and they lived in Rockford, Illinois where he worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and was Director of Rockford Alcoholic Treatment Center. Following retirement, they moved to Mesa, Arizona where they have lived for the last 16 years.
Dan was known for his extensive knowledge of the Bible, his witticisms, love of debate, and sharing his learning. He loved a good spoof or play on words. His thirst for knowledge never left him, even learning Spanish in his 80’s so he could teach Second Language Learning at his church. The thrill of finding the “back-story” for a good Bible study always intrigued him and he shared that with numerous classes.
Dan is survived by hs beloved wife Martha of Mesa, Arizona; sons Andrew Spiro of Springfield, Illinois and Mark Spiro of Mesa, Arizona; stepchildren Karen (Lyle) Fulks of Los Angeles, California, Kathy (Jeff) Frohock of Moreno Valley, California, Mike (Kat) Weber and Mark Weber of Prescott, Arizona. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy (Lee) Calogeropoulos of Crystal Lake, Illinois, brother John (late Frances) Spiro of Alsip, Illinois as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 14th at 11:30am at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church, Mesa, Arizona wit internment at Mountain View Cemetery in Mesa. Donations in Lieu of flowers may be made to Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 807 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa, Arizona 85203 or Symphony of the Southwest, 213 N. Morris, Mesa, AZ 85201.
So sorry to hear about Dan. He was quite a character. Condolences to Martha, Andy and Mark. I actually met Dan through his sons. I am from Rockford, but I lived for years in Springfield. I knew Andy briefly in Springfield and Mark was also my roommate in Springfield. I enjoyed my conversations with Dan. He was great. A particular shout out to Mark, who I hope contacts me. I still have great memories of his time at my house in Springfield, his motorcycle, etc. , finding that boa at Halloween…The Spiro’s are a great family. God rest his soul and may God’s peace be upon you all at this sad time.