William J. Spano, a retired analyst with the National Security Agency who worked tirelessly to benefit Howard County youth, died Wednesday of liver cancer at his home in Laurel. He was 64.

A longtime member of the Optimist Club of Columbia, Mr. Spano coached the club's youth football team for many years. He also organized its lacrosse and wrestling programs, continuing his involvement after they were turned over to the Howard County recreation department.

He also taught public speaking through the Optimist Club.

"That was the love of his life, working with children," said his wife, Diane Spano of Laurel. "He spent much of the time doing that, his free time and otherwise."

Mr. Spano was born in the Bronx, N.Y., and raised in Copaigue, Long Island. He graduated from Lindenhurst High School, where he played football and wrestled, and studied for two years at the University of Maryland, College Park.

He served for seven years in the military, first with the Marine Corps before switching to the Air Force. He spent 38 years with the NSA, including seven years stationed overseas in Turkey and Japan in the 1960s.

Services will be at 11 a.m. today at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, William J. Spano Jr. of Ellicott City, and Nicholas A. Spano and Michael A. Spano, both of Laurel; and several grandchildren.