Obituaries

Alfred J. Spoo, 82

December 19, 2019

Alfred J. Spoo, 82, formerly of Rothsville, passed away at Moravian Manor on Thursday, December 19, 2019. He was born in Lancaster to the late Warren G. Spoo and Johanna (Jaggi) Spoo Lutz. Al’s wife, Arlene H. (Eshleman) Spoo died in 2008.

He graduated from Rothsville High School and worked as a commercial construction electrician. Al retired to work part time caring for others and began to focus on his passion for nature. He wrote and illustrated four books on shells, nature and butterflies, as well as being a columnist for the Lititz Record Express for 25 years.

Al’s many interests and passions included oil and watercolor painting, taxidermy and his collections of insects, shells and mussels. A self-educated born naturalist, Al was a frequent guest of Jack Hubley on WGAL. His insect collection now resides at Millersville University and his freshwater mussel collection is in the care of North Museum of Nature and Science.

He was active in many clubs including the Lancaster Butterfly and Entomological Club, Lancaster County Garden Club, Lititz Garden Club, and the Rothsville Historical Society.

Having a strong Faith in God, Al enjoyed sharing the Bible with others by serving as a church deacon, usher and Sunday school teacher.

Al is survived by his six children, Mary L., wife of Richard Ulrich, Lititz, George A, Spoo, and life partner Kathy Horn, Mount Joy, David L. Spoo, husband of Jodie (Hager), Lititz, Joyce A., wife of Nicholas Eavenson, Lititz, Ruby A. Spoo, Mount Joy and Joel A., Spoo, husband of Karen (Braun), Mountville; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and his life partner Bernadine Alspach.

A viewing will take place 9 to 11 AM, followed by a celebration of Al’s life at 11 AM with Rev. Jason B. Perkowski officiating, on Monday, December 23, 2019, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment in Rothsville United Zion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a contribution in Al’s memory to the Lancaster Conservancy, 117 S West End Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

December 23, 2019

Famous actress Irene Dunne was quoted as saying, “One does not make friends.  One recognizes  them.” We recognize you Al for being one who took the time to share experiences of the great outdoors and to help educate many in your love of it. We will never forget, God will never forget the many foot prints you made here on earth and either shall your friends and acquaintances.  May a scholarship award be given to you  in heaven.Mrs Barry and Rita Greenawalt

December 23, 2019

Joyce & Siblings – So sorry for your loss, especialy at this time of year. It is difficult to see a loved one leave us at anytime. May your father rest in peace with his Lord and Saviour. All our prayers are with the entire family.
Don & Joan Schwebel

December 22, 2019

My deepest symphony to the Spoo family.
Marilyn Doster (classmate)

December 22, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. George & Denise Barnosky

December 22, 2019

Many of us hold such great memories of Al. He was kind enough to give a presentation of a portion of his extensive insect collection to the Conestoga Valley Homeschoolers – of course the kids were amazed! I spent precious times touring his pollinator gardens while discussing spiritiual issues together. More than once he helped me to “rescue” a caterpillar(s) in need or helped with identification when I was at a loss about some unusual creature or plant. He is much missed by the members of the CenPenn Beachcombers seashell club. It’s not an exaggeration to describe Al Spoo as a rare type of person that our world certainly needed more of. Rest in Peace Sir.Cheryl Steigerwald 

December 21, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Al’s articles in the Record, and learned so much from them.
Years ago, some middle school students worked to put bat houses at various places in the Springs Park. The Record did a nice article featuring the students. Unfortunately, this caused some folks to come to a Borough Council meeting to raise concerns. Being president of Council at the time, I called Al ahead of the meeting to get my facts straight. Al not only educated me (and it was a wonderful, animated conversation), but the next week his column was all about bats. Accompanied by his drawings, of course!
Al was a true community treasure.
In sympathy,
Karen Weibel

December 21, 2019

What a wonderful blend of talent, dedication and knowledge.  He remains a positive influence on many.  I will always remember Al’s enthusiasm and joy whenever a naturalist or Biblical topic arose.  No doubt he is similarly engaged today in the presence of Jesus.  His tongue-in-cheek manner helped bridge complex topics and meant that the conversation never became dull.  Although time and professional demands limited our opportunities to visit, we think back with fondness and gratitude for his continued friendship and talks about family history.  Although Al will be missed by many, those same lives that he has touched will be the richer for having known him.  Our hearts and prayers go out to all his loved ones; we especially thank Bernie for her kindness and devotion. 
Love, Rob and Casey Spoo, Alexandria, VA.  

Visitation
Monday, December 23, 2019
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Monday, December 23, 2019
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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