Jo-Ed Spitzer inspired people – students, family, and friends – to be creative and to enjoy making art. Many will remember Jo-Ed from Rochester Adams High or West Junior High. He was an art teacher with the Rochester Community Schools from September 1970 until June 2006. He passed away on his birthday at the age of 76 from complications with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Jo-Ed Spitzer Art Teacher with the Rochester Community Schools – Rochester Adams High School Yearbook Photo 1979
Art Teacher
Jo-Ed was born in Detroit on June 28, 1941, and served as a Private in the U.S. Army from May 11, 1960 until August 30, 1962 during the Vietnam Conflict. He held a Master’s Degree and – besides working for the Rochester Community Schools for 36 years – he spent 10 years after retirement teaching jewelry classes through the Rochester Enrichment Department of the school system. He was also involved with the Arts & Apples Festival.
“I first meet Jo-Ed Spitzer in 1970, and we quickly became friends. Over the next 47 years, ‘The Spitz’ (as he was often called) influenced my life in many ways. A talented and creative soul who lived life on his terms – he made my life fuller because of our friendship,” said Bill Dwyer, Executive Director, Pontiac Creative Arts Center.
Lions Club Member
“I sponsored Jo-Ed into the Rochester Hills Lions Club (RHLC) in 1977,” said Keith Kennedy, Past District Governor, International Association of Lions Clubs. “Jo-Ed served in all club offices including president and he served as secretary from the late 1990s to 2008. He also chaired our annual art auction fundraiser … Jo was a dedicated Lion and was an absolute delight to be around.”
“He always volunteered to participate in our annual White Cane and December Christmas fundraisers, which involved standing for 2-4 hours in front of local businesses seeking cash donations from the public,” said Kennedy, “This often meant standing in frigid temperatures and inclement weather.”
Besides working together with the Lions Club, Kennedy and Spitzer were longtime friends. “I have known Jo since the late 1960s … we were kindred spirits,” said Keith, who explained how Jo helped him quit smoking. Jo-Ed was a strong-minded individual who also gave up smoking (and drinking) “cold turkey” some 15 years ago. “Jo was just fun to be around and a truly great friend,” said Kennedy, “I am very much going to miss him.”
Jo-Ed Spitzer in his Home Jewelry Studio – photo by William Dwyer
Family Moments
Lynette Douglas, stepdaughter, describes Jo as an “amazing grandfather” and recalls how he loved to celebrate Easter and Christmas. Using his art talents and creative mind, Jo would hold Easter egg hunts for the grandkids with “captain’s clues” to find the best prizes. He loved themed parties; and for his grandchildren he would incorporate their interests, such as cheerleading or pirates, to create a memorable experience for the kids.
Lynette’s mother, Arlene, and Jo-Ed were together for 30 years. Arlene Spitzer passed away in July of last year after celebrating their 20-year wedding anniversary in April. They lived in Auburn Hills and enjoyed the company of their family, friends, and their dog Max. Jo also survived and – he wasn’t expected to live then – beat cancer a few years ago.
“Coffee and sweets” would brighten Jo’s day said Lynette. She and her husband Kurt kept a close eye on Jo. Soon after Arlene passed, Jo’s health declined. He spent the last few months as a resident of Sunrise Senior Living in Downtown Rochester.
Jo-Ed is survived by his children Lynette Rose (Kurt) Douglas, Jon Scott (Kelly) Spitzer, John (Laura) Riley and Mike (Mary) Riley; his grandchildren Jessica, Brandon, Scotty, Nikki, Shannon, Michael, Brooke, Erin, Grace, and Katie; his siblings Dwight (Anne) Spitzer and Dean Spitzer; his brother in law Kenneth Novack; and his niece Lanie Novack.
Jo-Ed and Arlene Spitzer – photo by William Dwyer
Remembering Jo-Ed Spitzer
A Memorial Gathering will be held Friday, July 14, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. with the Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307 www.pixleyfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Contributions to Leader Dogs for the Blind, PO Box 5000, Rochester, MI 48307 www.leaderdog.org