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Former Los Angeles Chargers owner Alex Spanos died on the morning of Tuesday, October 9, at the age of 95-years-old. He reportedly passed away “peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”
Spanos — who was born in Stockton, California on September 28, 1923 — purchased the 60% of the San Diego Chargers from owner Eugene Klien for $48.3 million in 1984. During the next decade, Spanos bought out the shares of several other small co-owners, bringing his control of the team to 97%.
Alex’s wife Faye Spanos previously passed away on August 7, 2018, at the age of 92-years-old.
The news was announced in a statement on the Los Angeles Chargers official website.
via Chargers:
Alex was the embodiment of the American dream and leaves behind a legacy of passion and hard work. Born the son of Greek immigrants in 1923, Alex’s tireless work ethic and fearlessness was instilled in him when at only eight years old, he began working in his father’s bakery before and after school. A tough upbringing coupled with the unshakeable belief that he could accomplish anything he set his mind to drove him to succeed and overcome countless obstacles.
In 1984, Alex fulfilled one of his lifelong goals by purchasing the San Diego Chargers. His intensely competitive nature and passion for sport made him the perfect fit to be a part of the NFL family. One of his most memorable moments was watching the Chargers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Super Bowl XXIX. He was equally passionate about the franchise’s impact off the field, implementing many Chargers’ community outreach programs that exist to this day. The Chargers Community Foundation – which he created and funded – still supports numerous critical causes, individuals in need and organizations supporting the community.
We have no words that can adequately express our sadness with his passing. We will continue to honor his legacy by dedicating ourselves to making a difference in the community and throughout our country.
After 55 years in San Diego, the Chargers moved to Los Angeles in 2017.
While no funeral arrangements for Spanos have been scheduled at this time, they will be announced in the next few days.
Spanos is survived by his four children: Dean Spanos, the Chargers’ team president; Michael Spanos, the Chargers’ executive vice president; Alexis Spanos Ruhl, a vice president of A.G. Spanos Companies; and Dea Spanos Berberian, a vice president of A.G. Spanos Companies.
You can read the Chargers’ full statement on Spanos’ passing here.
