Leonard (Len) Marion Spalding, Jr.

Leonard (Len) Marion Spalding, Jr. died peacefully in his home on October 28, 2025.  He recently celebrated his 90th birthday with many family and friends for a joyous occasion.

His parents were Dr. Len and Elsie Spalding.  Len is survived by his wife, Susan and four children, Len (Janet) Spalding, Laura (John) Carani, Thomas (Jennifer) Spalding, Sally (Baird) Campbell, 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were his infant daughter Mary Ann, his infant grandchildren Thomas, Allison and Brian, and his brothers Benedict and John.

Len had undeniable charisma. He was a keen observer and quick with a joke, which he always delivered with a smile and twinkle in his eyes.  He gave hugs and advice freely.  With his children, he joked, “if I’m talking, you should be taking notes.”  He was a true southern gentleman.

He was born and raised in Springfield, but as a youth he desired the wider world.  He pursued a financial and investment career which took him to Chicago and New York City. His last position was with J. P. Morgan Chase, which provided the opportunity to travel the world and fulfill his desire to build and strengthen cultural and economic partnerships. However, nothing kept him from getting home to be with family, and he even famously stowed away on a jet from Amsterdam to get home for Thanksgiving.

After returning to Springfield in 1997, Len pursued a second career of philanthropic ventures.  He loved his hometown and was eager to help in any way he could.  His belief in education for all, at all levels, was one of his main passions.  He helped numerous schools, colleges and individuals with guidance and financial support.

And, with his business hat on, he served many years with SWEDA, the local economic development council, the Airport Board, a founding member of Glenview Trust Co in Louisville, and of course Snappy Tomato Pizza. 

Funeral Mass for Leonard (Len) Marion Spalding Jr. will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Rev. David Farrell, Rev. Trummie Culpepper Elliott and Rev. Ben Brown officiating.  Burial will be in St. Dominic-Holy Rosary Cemetery with military honors conducted by Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Emmett Campbell, Jack, Joe and Dan Carani, Capt. Ryan Spalding, Tom and Joshua Spalding, Patrick Powers, Rich Salhus and Aadit Somany.

A prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, November 7 at Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home where friends may call from 3:00 till 8:00 pm on Friday, November 7 with additional visitation on Saturday morning at St. Dominic Catholic Church from 9:00 till time of service at 11:00 am.

Contributions are suggested to Mid KY Arts or St. Dominic School

Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.