Date of Birth: February 22, 1949

Date of Profession: August 6, 1972

Date of Ordination: June 19, 1976

Date of Death: September 26, 2026

Fr. George J. Spangenberg, C.S.Sp., of Bethel Park, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, died peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at St. Clair Hospital. He was 77 years old.

Fr. Spangenberg was born on February 22, 1949, in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Shaler Jr. and Senior High from 1961-1967, Community College of Allegheny County, PA, from 1967-68 and Duquesne University from 1968-1971. He did his seminary studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago from 1972-1976. Fr. Spangenberg professed his vows as a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit on August 6, 1972, at St. Mary Church in Sharpsburg, PA, and was ordained to the Priesthood on June 19, 1976, at Old St. Mary’s in Detroit, MI.

Fr. Spangenberg worked in parochial and educational ministry from 1976-1986. His first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in New York, NY. In 1977, he was assigned to North Carolina to work in Team Ministry as a bursar. From 1978-81, he was assigned to the faculty at Holy Ghost Prep School in Bensalem, PA. In 1981, he studied at Georgetown University and resided at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, VA. He was temporarily assigned in 1982 to St. Joseph in Bay City, MI and studied at Duquesne University. From 1983-85, he was an instructor and chaplain at St. Francis de Sales High School in Chicago, IL. Then in 1985, he was assigned as administrator at St. Mary’s in Sharpsburg, PA and became pastor in 1986. 

In 1992, Fr. Spangenberg became a Chaplain in the U.S. Navy in Okinawa, Japan. In 1999, he was a chaplain in the U.S. Navy at Bangor, WA, and Quantico, VA. In 2001, he returned to parochial ministry as pastor at Holy Spirit Church in Millvale, PA. In 2005, he was appointed Director of the Spiritan Foundation in Wheaton, MD. In 2007, Fr. Spangenberg was appointed superior of the Holy Retirement Community in Sarasota, FL. In 2008, he was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Conway, AR, until 2010, when he was granted permission to serve in the Archdiocese of Military Services as a contract chaplain at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. In August 2011, he was appointed to the Center for International Relations with administrative and teaching responsibilities at Duquesne University. He obtained retirement status in 2020 and was in residence at Spiritan Retirement Home in Bethel Park, PA.

Fr. Spangenberg has received several medals, including the National Defense Medal, Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement and Commendation Medals. Other recognition includes Guest Chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives; Leadership Award; Commission to the Lieutenant, USNR; Member of the 35th Critical Incident Debriefing, FBI; and promotion to Lieutenant Commander, USNR. He treasured his time as a military chaplain and wished to be buried in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. His great passion was for history, and he was called on many times to share that passion in the classroom at the secondary and university levels. 

Through his many assignments, he would often explore the local historic sites wherever he was stationed. Fr. Spangenberg was preceded in death by his parents Wilbert and Beatrice Spangenberg; his brothers William Spangenberg and Rev. Robert E. Spangenberg, C.S.Sp; and his sisters Regina Spangenberg and Isabel Ann Spangenberg. He is survived by his brothers Arthur (Linda) Spangenberg and Roger Spangenberg; and his sisters Joann Spangenberg and Emily (Kevin) Skrbin, four nieces, two nephews, and extended family members.

There will be a viewing in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at the Spiritan Center, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10 am, followed immediately by the Mass of Resurrection at 11 am. Burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA.

In memory of Fr. Spangenberg, donations may be made to the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102, designated for retirement or for the education of future Holy Spirit Fathers and Brothers.The funeral Mass will be live-streamed at: facebook.com/spiritans