Dr. Michael R. Spano Sr.

Dr. Michael Robert Spano, of Holly Springs, NC, aged 67, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, after his intense battle with pancreatic cancer. Michael, or “Dr. Mike” to many, was born on November 11, 1956, in Elizabeth, NJ, to Rocco and Joan Spano. A man of immense passion and a vibrant, magnetic presence, he lived a life overflowing with love and laughter, with an unwavering dedication to his family, friends, teaching, and helping his community.

Mike attended County College of Morris, NJIT, and went on to receive his doctorate from North Carolina State University. He began his distinguished career at IBM, where he collaborated with physicians to invent the first standing wheelchair, along with his notable contributions to the foundational developments of AI. He went on to become the CIO at Siemens Technology and program director at DPI, all while simultaneously teaching as an adjunct professor at NCSU and Duke University. He closed his career and retired with his dream job as a Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University at the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike was an enthusiastic creative and innovator with a natural gift at problem solving. His pursuits ranged from creative writing to ministry, sculpture, and woodworking, showcasing his diverse talents and insatiable curiosity. Mike's ability to fix just about anything wasn't just a testament to his technical skills but to his profound desire to help and make the world around him better. Whether it was crafting a piece of furniture, sculpting a piece of art from found objects, or mentoring to those in need, his endeavors were fueled by genuine passion and a generous heart. Mike's hobbies and interests were as varied as his talents. He could often be found in his workshop, tinkering amidst shavings and sketches, or late night in his office writing poetry or meticulously documenting his industry experiences and insights. Each pursuit, no matter how diverse, wove together to form the vibrant tapestry of his life, bringing joy and laughter to all who crossed his path.

His greatest pride, however, was his family, whom he loved deeply and supported unconditionally. Mike was a steadfast presence in their lives, offering guidance, support, and an endless supply of love. His legacy within his family and friends extends beyond the lessons he taught or the memories they shared, but in the example he set of living a life full of passion, creativity, bravery, and kindness.

Mike leaves behind a family who cherished him as deeply as he did them: his wife of nearly 45 years, Dawn Spano, his children, Carly Spano, Michael Spano Jr and Annelise Spano, his grandchildren, Brianna Beck, Blake Beck, Jack Spano, Claire Spano, Ally Giammona, and Grayson Weathers, his great-grandson, Bowman Beck, his brother Rocco Spano and family, Donna Spano and family, Debra Hornung and family, and Harry Robert Hansen and family, and 7 nieces and nephews, along with his beloved “adopted family” and countless friends who were touched by his warmth, generosity, and spirit.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Mike's life was held on Saturday, March 2nd at 11am at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC. Family received friends following at the funeral home. (Link to the video of the service - https://youtu.be/JCEQjULLndE)

In lieu of flower arrangements, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society, a cause close to Mike's heart, or to consider sending live plants as a tribute, symbolizing ongoing growth and vitality in his memory.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Dr. Mike or a message of condolence to his wife Dawn, and family; you may do so below within "Add a Memory".