On Monday, June 15, 2026, George William Spanagel passed at the remarkable age of 102.  George was preceded in death by his wife, Rhea-Ruth (Franz), his parents, Catherine and George J. Spanagel, his sisters Catherine Grega, Dorothy Fike, Marion Nikolajczyk, and their spouses, granddaughter Shaunna Zarlinga and grandson Adam Garapic.  He is survived by his sister Jean Mattson (Lawrence, deceased), his four children Karen Pritchard (Robert), Judge Kenneth Spanagel, Christine Garapic, and Eric Spanagel.  He is also survived by four grandchildren Virginia Beaty, Benjamin Beaty (Liv), Amy Garapic, Lindsay Spanagel, and seven great grandchildren Lillian Beaty, Charlotte Beaty, Mazzy Beaty, Alec Zarlinga, Alli Zarlinga, Avery Zarlinga (Victoria), and Blaine Rick. 

George was born on February 19, 1924, and was raised in Cleveland, Ohio.  He graduated from West Tech High School.  He joined the Navy and served for two years during WW II as a machinist mate working on PT boats in the Pacific Theater.  Taking advantage of the GI Bill, George graduated from Western Reserve University where he got his Bachelor of Business Administration and soon became a CPA.  On September 14, 1946, he married Rhea-Ruth Franz and in September 2021 they celebrated 75 years of marriage.  He continued his education at Western Reserve University (Case Western Reserve School of Law) where he got his Law degree while also working to support his young family.  He opened his general practice doing taxation, probate, and real estate.  In the 1950s, he became very active in the politics of Parma Heights where he was a familiar face at City Hall holding several positions including Finance Director and Law Director.  He kept his CPA skills honed while working in a real estate office and other areas.  He ultimately served as a respected judge in the Parma Municipal Court System.  His fairness, wisdom, and deep respect for others earned him the love of his family and the trust of his community.  He was always willing to help in any way he could by giving sage advice to anyone who asked (or maybe didn’t ask).  Or, if he came across ‘something’ that he felt could be improved, he was quick to offer advice and help to fix it.  George was an avid golfer and tennis enthusiast.  Later in life he and Rhea enjoyed their world travels, especially cruising, and warm winters in Florida.  He loved his family deeply and he and Rhea always supported them whatever the activity.  He truly was a Renaissance Man.  All services will be private.