Los Angeles Chargers owner Alex Spanos, who has owned a majority stake in the National Football League franchise since 1984, died Tuesday morning, the The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. He was 95.
The team Spanos bought relocated from San Diego to Los Angeles in 2017 under the management of his son and successor, Dean Spanos, KNSD reported.
"From humble beginnings to becoming the top apartment builder across the nation and the owner of an NFL franchise, Alex proved that dreams do come true," the Spanos family said in a statement.
“We have no words that can adequately express our sadness with his passing,” the Chargers said in a statement. “We will continue to honor his legacy by dedicating ourselves to making a difference in the community and throughout our country.”
Spanos, the son of Greek immigrants, was born in Sept. 28, 1923 in Stockton, California. When he was 8 he began working in his father's bakery before and after school, KSWB reported. He became a billionaire, flourishing in construction and real estate, ESPN reported.
Spanos purchased 60 percent of the Chargers in August 1984 from majority owner Eugene Klein for $70 million, and at the time of his death owned 97 percent of the team, ESPN reported.
Spanos saw his team reach Super Bowl XXIX in Miami after the 1994 season; the Chargers lost 49-26 to the San Francisco 49ers.
Spanos' wife of 70 years, Faye Spanos, died in August at 92, the Union-Tribune reported. He is survived by his four children, Dean, Dea Spanos Berberian, Alexis Spanos Ruhl and Michael; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
About the Author
