Peter Kiefer Spangler

With heavy hearts, the family of Peter Kiefer Spangler, 79, announces his passing on January 15, 2016. He fought his battle with Leukemia with courage and determination. Born on December 27, 1936, in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Dr. Huston and Sally Spangler he was also the grandson of the late Dr. Ralph and Marilla Spangler and Frank and Naomi Weil. He was a descendant of George Ross (PA), a signer of the Declaration of Independence and of the Bomberger-Spangler families; founders of Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. During his lifetime, he lived in Worcester and Rochdale, MA; Margate, NJ; Bethesda and Rockville, MD and Hampton, Toano and Gloucester, VA. He attended Johns Hopkins University and graduated from George Washington University School of Engineering. He retired after 39 years of service from David Taylor Model Basin and Combatant Craft Dept. of Naval Surface Warfare Div., Norfolk, VA, as a Naval Architect/Engineer. His hobbies included sports cars, boating, fishing and golfing. For over 40 years, he enjoyed the family cottage, Bellfrog Medley, that he built on the Mobjack Bay, was an avid reader, and enjoyed listening to classical and patriotic music and cheering on the Washington Redskins and the Virginia Tech Hokies. As a true mechanical engineer, there was nothing he could not fix. His goal in life was to always do his best and take care of his family, and that he did. He is survived by Ruth his wife and best friend of 51.5 years; daughter Nancy Vaughan (Bobby); son David Spangler (Rose); grandsons Kyle and Collin Vaughan; granddaughter Lexi Spangler; and sisters Susan Holland (Robert) and Carolyn Reilly. A private committal service will be held at Williamsburg Memorial Park. Celebration of Life, officiated by Pastor Larry McReynolds will be held Fri. Jan. 22, 2016 at 1pm Nelson Funeral Home, Williamsburg, VA. A reception will follow. A special thanks to Dr. John Miller and staff at PCI. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsencares.com