We regret to inform you of the passing of Retired Lt. Bernie E. Spangler on October 30, 2023. He was a dedicated member of the Maryland State Police for over 28 years. He was truly “Maryland’s Finest.”
Obituary
Published by Legacy on Nov. 7, 2023.
Bernard Edward Spangler, Jr., Bernie, age 75, of Long Neck, DE formerly of Abingdon, MD passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE.
Bernie was born in Baltimore, MD, on January 6, 1948, the son of the late Bernard Edward Spangler and the late Valeria Charlotte (Mitchem) Spangler. He was a proud graduate of Calvert Hall High School, and he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore.
Shortly after graduating from college, Bernie began his career in law enforcement. First, becoming a police officer for Ocean City, MD, before joining the Maryland State Police in 1972. In the 70’s, after working in narcotics, Bernie was at the forefront of investigators that helped plan and expand the unit to the Drug Enforcement Division of the State Police. His career with the Maryland State Police spanned 28 ½ years. He retired on January 1, 2001, as the Barrack Commander of the Bel Air Barracks. After retiring from the State Police, Bernie worked for Zurich and USAA Insurance companies as an investigator retiring completely in April of 2011.
Bernie served as the chair on the committee of the Trooper of the Year for the Maryland State Police Alumni Association. He worked with numerous charities throughout Maryland, serving and preparing food for the homeless. He also loved fly fishing and enjoyed brewing his own beers, as he was involved with the Libation Association. Bernie was a people person and enjoyed being around people and found great comfort in his church, The Crossing in Milton, DE.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Ross. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Priscilla (Schmidt) Spangler; three children, Wendy Dugan of Greenville, SC, William Ross, III of Baltimore, MD and Natalie (Spangler) Frazier and her husband, Kent of Whiteville, NC; six grandchildren, Brieann Gagliano, Brian Fialkewicz, Dominic Badolato, Tyler Dugan, Brooks Frazier and Laney Frazier and a great granddaughter, Arabella Kestner. Bernie is also survived by a brother, John Spangler and his wife, Martha of Tega Cay, SC; a nephew, Shawn Spangler of Fort Mill, SC and two nieces, Sara Brenton of Rock Hill, SC and Emily Spangler of Charlotte, NC.
A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at 1pm on Friday, November 17, 2023, at The Crossing, 15183 Coastal Hwy., Milton, DE 19968. Members of the Maryland State Police Honor Guard will conduct a presentation to the family prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Honor retired Lt. Spangler, be made to MSPAA Memorial Fund, designated for the MSP Museum-Criminal Enforcement Division Exhibition, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland, 21801 or The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, by visiting https://www.infinitelegacy.org/ or The Crossing, PO Box 95, Milton, DE 19968
Memorial Events for Bernard Spangler
Celebration of Life
NOV 17, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m.
The Crossing, 15183 Coastal Highway, Milton, DE 19968
