Date of Birth: September 28, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: October 9, 2018
Biography
Alexander Gus Spanos, commonly known as Alex Spanos, was a prominent American businessman and philanthropist. Born to Greek immigrants, Spanos worked his way up from humble beginnings to become a billionaire and one of the most influential figures in the construction and real estate industry. He founded A.G. Spanos Companies in 1960, which grew to become one of the largest housing developers in the United States. In 1984, he purchased the majority stake in the San Diego Chargers, a professional American football team, cementing his legacy in the sports world. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Spanos donated millions to various causes, particularly in education and healthcare. His life story is a testament to the American dream, illustrating how perseverance, hard work, and a keen business acumen can lead to monumental success.
5 Interesting Facts about Alex Spanos
1. Alex Spanos started his business career by selling sandwiches to farm workers during the Great Depression.
2. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
3. Spanos published his autobiography, “Sharing the Wealth: My Story,” in 2002.
4. He was a significant donor to the University of the Pacific and various other educational institutions.
5. Spanos was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 1976 for his contributions to society.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alex Spanos
1. “I always remember my roots and where I came from.”
2. “Success is not just about making money; it’s about making a difference.”
3. “Perseverance is the key to overcoming any obstacle.”
4. “Giving back to the community is not an obligation, but a privilege.”
5. “The journey to success is paved with hard work and determination.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Alex Spanos achieved a net worth of approximately $2.4 billion.
Children
Alex Spanos had four children with his wife, Faye Papafaklis: Dean Spanos, Michael Spanos, Alexis Spanos Ruhl, and Dea Spanos Berberian. Dean Spanos is well-known for taking over the day-to-day operations of the Chargers and continues to be active in the sports and business communities.
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile](https://www.forbes.com/profile/alex-spanos/
2. [Wikipedia Entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Spanos
3. [Obituary – NY Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/09/obituaries/alex-spanos-dead.html
4. [Chargers Official Website](https://www.chargers.com/team/front-office-roster/alex-g-spanos
5. [A.G. Spanos Companies](https://agspanos.com/