Age 97, Tucson, Ariz.
Col. Joseph V. Spitler Jr. died in Tucson, Ariz. on September 1, 2026. He was 97 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Shirley Swayze Spitler, his parents, Dr. and Mrs. J. Vincent Spitler, Sr. and his sister, Joann Spitler. Joe is survived by his and Shirley’s children, Kathy (Cliff), Kara (Robert), Kris, Kim (Tracy) and Dan (Ellen) and seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Joe was born on November 18, 1928 in Harrisonburg, Va. and grew up in Luray, Va. He attended Virginia Military Institute and joined the U.S. Army in 1949. He trained as an engineer and artillery man and fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He and his family traveled extensively, including a duty station in the ’60s in Tucson, where he earned a Master’s in engineering. When he retired from the Army in 1977, Joe, Shirley and Dan settled back in Tucson. Joe worked at IBM and then taught math at Pima Community College. After retiring from Pima CC, Joe loved being a math tutor.
Joe was an active member of the Southern Arizona Hiking Club. Hiking the trails and mountains in the Tucson area was one of his greatest joys that he shared with family, friends and visitors. He also played the Native American flute for his own enjoyment, at church, in Voyager Flute Circle and for fellow residents and staff at his and Shirley’s last home together, the Fountains at La Cholla.
When Joe was age 2 or 3, he attended his first church, Main Street Baptist Church in Luray with his best friend, Emmet. So began a lifelong relationship with his local church. In the ’60s while stationed in Tucson, Joe and his family attended Catalina Baptist Church. Later, he and Shirley became active members of Southside Presbyterian Church and volunteers for Tucson Samaritans in the early 2000s. He had a strong faith that he explored all his life.
Joe loved his work as a docent at Kitt Peak Observatory, working at the Coronado Telescope. He also enjoyed volunteering at Habitat for Humanity.
Joe will be remembered for his honesty, generosity and desire to keep learning. Rest in peace and love, Dad.
A memorial service will be held for Joe at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St., Tucson on October 17th, 2026 at 2pm.
Joe asked that any donations be made to Southside Presbyterian Church, PO Box 27640, Tucson, AZ 85726 or Habitat for Humanity.
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