SOMA Resident Passes Away At 72; Loved Family, Running, Art: John Spangler

SOUTH ORANGE-MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The following obituary comes courtesy of a Patch South Orange-Maplewood community member. Find out how to post obituaries or other announcements to your local Patch site.

John David Spangler, 72, passed away after a brief illness on July 2, 2025, at the Avalon Rehabilitation Center in Hamilton, NJ.

He is survived by his children Cathryn Lindsay Spangler of Washington, DC, Samuel Oliver Spangler of Bloomfield, NJ, and William James Spangler of Astoria, NY; a son-in-law Aaron Rabinowitz and grandson Ezra Nathaniel Rabinowitz, both of Washington, DC; and a sister Elizabeth Spangler DeVine of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by Rena (Smolski) Spangler, his former wife of 29 years and mother of his children.

Born in Columbus, OH to David Spangler and Geneva Arms Spangler on August 28, 1952, John enlisted at age 18 in the U.S. Air Force, where he completed Airman Leadership School and served honorably as a Staff Sergeant and paramedic.

At the conclusion of his four years of military service, he attended Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in painting and sculpture. At this time, he also met his future wife and fellow graduate student Rena Smolski. Following graduation, they married and moved to New York City and later South Orange, NJ where they started a family and John began his 30-plus year career in the printing business. Even with his demanding travel and work schedule, John always dedicated Sunday mornings to making waffles for the family while enjoying underground music from a local radio station.

In his late 30s, John discovered the joy and love of running and would often go on trail runs with his children. Eventually he added cycling and swimming to his rigorous exercise routine. He loved to continuously challenge himself by completing regularly – and winning recognition in – marathons and triathlons throughout the mid-Atlantic region and across the country.

Among people who knew John best, many believe that after his children and dog Smokey, John’s joy came from his artistic and athletic abilities. These are the things that brought him personal fulfillment and a sense of peace.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage anyone who knew and loved John to make a donation of any amount to Essex Running Club, an organization that meant a great deal to him / personifies what John loved most at https://www.essexrunning.com.

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