Stockton developer’s wife, Faye Spanos, has died

STOCKTON — Faye Spanos, the wife of Stockton developer Alex Spanos, died Tuesday night at age 92 of undisclosed causes.

Faye and Alex Spanos married in 1948 and were marking their 70th wedding anniversary this month.

They raised four children in Stockton as Alex Spanos built a real estate empire. He also purchased an NFL team, the Los Angeles Chargers, which is led by their son, Dean.

The Chargers and the National Football League issued statements Wednesday about Faye Spanos’ passing.

“Faye was the essence of grace, compassion, humility, and kindness,” the Chargers’ statement said, in part. “Her devotion to her family and her deep faith in God guided her throughout her life. Faye was a blessing to all who knew and loved her.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “The NFL family is saddened by the passing of Faye Spanos, the light and rock of the Spanos family. Faye was a woman of faith, compassion and dignity, who inspired her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren as well as countless friends and extended family. We extend our deepest condolences to Alex, Dean, the entire Spanos family and the Chargers organization. Family meant so much to Faye, and she was a wonderful partner to Alex for 70 years on a lifelong journey marked by their service and generosity to people throughout their beloved state of California.”

But far beyond football, the Spanos family became known for their philanthropy, donating to a number of causes.

In addition to their four children (Dean, Michael, Dea Spanos Berberian and Alexis Spanos Ruhl), the couple had 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.