Joseph Edward Spangler Sr., a former Carroll County fire chief and truck driver, died Dec. 25 at his Finksburg home. His wife, Patricia Brown Spangler, said she found him unresponsive, and no cause of death was determined. He was 72.
Known as "Big Joe," he was born in Baltimore and raised in Pimlico, the son of Francis Joseph Spangler and Doris Jeanne Fitzgerald Spangler.
He attended St. Ambrose School in Park Heights and St. John's High School in Westminster until the 10th grade. He then began working alongside his father at Spangler's Market in Finksburg. He subsequently worked at Rowan Controller and Maryland Cup.
Mr. Spangler was an independent truck owner and driver who later worked for Roadway Express Inc. in Westminster and Hagerstown for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 557.
He was a life member with more than 50 years of service at the Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Company, which he joined in 1961. He was its chief from 1984 to 1985 and was president of the organization for 14 years.
Family members said he was active in fundraising for the fire department and helped with bingo, the annual carnival, and benefit dinners and banquets.
Mr. Spangler played on the fire company's slow-pitch softball team and also enjoyed golf.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Company. 1745 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster.
In addition to his wife of 52 years, survivors include a son, Joseph E. Spangler Jr. of Owings Mills; a daughter, Janet Marie Spangler Saunders of Ellicott City; two brothers, James Spangler of Silver Run and Thomas Spangler of Westminster; a sister, Bette Hoffman of Carolina Shore, N.C.; and three grandchildren.