Willard P. Spalding

Formerly of Penn Hills, age 91, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at his residence at Longwood at Oakmont. Will was born in Mount Vernon, NY, on March 27, 1929, to Arthur D. and Edith (Ellsworth) Spalding. He graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and became a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Pennsylvania. He worked for Westinghouse Air Brake Co. (now WABCO) as a Design Engineer in the field of railroad braking and developed 14 patents. Will also engaged in many civic activities. He was a Junior Achievement Advisor, member of Westinghouse Valley Toastmasters Club, Scout Master, Docent to the Westinghouse Museum, president of Penn Hills Rotary Club, financial secretary of Penn Hills Service Association, president of Penn Hills Library Board, treasurer of the Penn Hills Library Foundation Board, member of Beulah Presbyterian Church where he served as a Church Elder and on the Deacons Board. Will was a lifetime railroad fan. In consideration of this and his service to the library, three books on trains were placed in the adult collection. Will and his wife, Rita, worked in concert in community activities. They received citations from the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Pennsylvania State Senate for their combined services. A room in the library carries the inscription: The Willard and Rita Spalding Room.

Mr. Spalding is survived by his beloved wife, Rita Lee Spalding; his children, Gregory Scott Spalding (Lilia) of Wilkins Twp. and Laura Lee Dooley (Jim) of Arlington, VA; grandsons, Dr. Michael Dooley (Laura) of Annapolis, MD, Jonathon Dooley (Megan) of New Mexico, and Willard G. Spalding of Wilkins Twp.; step-grandson Carlos Ruiz (Emily) of Minneapolis, MN; and great-granddaughter Ayla Dooley. He was preceded in death by his sister, Althea Odell.

Mr. Spalding will be laid to rest in Beulah Memorial Cemetery, and a memorial service will be held at Beulah Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:30am. Gifts in his memory may be given to Penn Hills Library, 1037 Stotler Road, Penn Hills PA 15235, www.pennhillslibrary.org, or Beulah Presbyterian Church, 2500 McCrady Road, Pittsburgh PA 15235. Arrangements by Wolfe Memorial, LLC. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.