Alan G. Spitaler

Poland - Alan G. Spitaler, 84, died Friday morning, December 29, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley's Hospice House.

Alan, affectionately known by most as "Al," was born July 8, 1933 in Bronx, NY, a son of Otto and Henrietta Schwartz Spitaler.

Al received his bachelor's degree in social science from The Ohio State University and played lacrosse for the Buckeyes. A proud alumni, he graciously gave back to the University over the years and enjoyed attending The Ohio State football games. In his free time, Al also enjoyed cheering for the New York Yankees and fishing in Canada.

A veteran, Mr. Spitaler served in the United States Army as a military policeman during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he was employed as a sales representative for United States Gypsum Company, retiring after over 30 years of service.

His wife, Ruth, whom he married on August 20, 1971, preceded him in death on November 4, 1999. A devoted family man, Al is survived by two sons, Kenneth (Michelle) Mayer of Brunswick and Chris Emrich of Cleveland; four daughters, Diana Emrich of Berea, Patricia (Dennis) Powell of Long Beach, CA, Jennifer (Jim) Edwards of Poland, and Valerie (Eric Beal) Spitaler of Poland; sister, Maxine Newman of Brooklyn, NY; nine grandchildren; and three nieces.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by children, Stephany Barefield, Carol Ann Emrich, and Bryan Spitaler.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 4:30-5:45 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, where a funeral service will follow on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The family suggests that any memorial tributes can take the form of contributions to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, Ohio 44514.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.