Marvin Gene Spallina

Marvin was born on January 5, 1932 in Chicago, IL and passed away on May 6, 2021.

His parents were Mary Castrogiovani Spallina and Maurice Spallina, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Elroy, Morrie, and Francis Spallina. Marvin grew up in Chicago and graduated from Calumet High School where he played varsity basketball. During his senior year at Calumet, he was recruited by the University of New Mexico (UNM) athletic program and awarded a full scholarship to play basketball and baseball for the UNM Lobos, where he was a 4-Year Letterman in basketball and baseball. While at UNM, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC program and shortly after his graduation from UNM in 1954 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Marvin was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Marvin's first duty station was Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, where he was assigned to the Office of Research and Development as a Contract Specialist. From there, he was assigned to a detachment at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas as the Detachment Commander. While there, Marvin was promoted to Captain. After 2 years in Texas, he was stationed at Albrook AFB in Panama as Base Procurement Officer for a 3-year assignment. This position gave him a chance to travel through Central and South America several times each year, as his office supported the missions in several of those countries. After returning to the United States in 1964, he was assigned to McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas as the Base Procurement Officer, a 4-year assignment. While in Kansas, Marvin was promoted to the rank of Major.

In 1968, Marvin was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America, and shortly thereafter, was chosen to go to San Diego, CA to work with General Dynamics in a special one-year program entitled "Training with Industry." His next assignment in the summer of 1970, was the Detachment Commander for the Contracts Management Center, Wright Patterson AFB, OH, physically located at the Miami International Airport. While there, Marvin was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel below the zone and after 6 months, was once again assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton. OH. This assignment with the Contracts Management Center lasted for 2 years. He was chosen to attend the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, DC from August 1973 to July 1974. From July 1974 to July 1975, he was assigned to the 16th Air Force at Torrejon Air Base in Madrid, Spain as Detachment Commander.

Marvin was promoted to Colonel in July 1975 and assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany as the Director of Procurement for United States Forces in Europe (USAFE). In 1977, Marvin was named Director of Contracting and Manufacturing at the Air Logistics Center, located at Tinker AFB, OK, where he retired from active duty service in September 1984.

Marvin received many awards and accolades during his 30 year Air Force career, including the USAF Outstanding Procurement Officer in 1967. He was the recipient of the Air Force Association Medal of Merit for Distinguished Service in 1980, the Air Force Association Exception Service award, and the Society of Logistics Engineers Field Award for Procurement Managers in 1981 and 1982. Additionally, his military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf clusters and the Legion of Merit.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Marvin was employed with United Technologies- Pratt and Whitney, Florida. Marvin was sent to Seoul, Korea to establish a joint venture with Samsung to overhaul and repair jet engines for the Korean Air Force who used Pratt and Whitney engines on their planes. After completing a 5-year assignment in Korea and being promoted to Vice-President of Samsung United Industries, Marvin was assigned to the main office of Pratt and Whitney in Palm Beach Gardens, FL as their Compliance Officer. A year later, Marvin was promoted to Director of Contracting, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.

After his retirement, Marvin enjoyed playing golf every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Tanoan Country Club and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, playing softball with the New Concepts softball team. He volunteered with AARP doing taxes at the senior citizens centers in town and for several years, he helped to coach the St. Pius boy's tennis teams, helping his grandson to the State Title in 2002.

A loyal Lobo fan, Marvin belonged to the Lobo Club and held season tickets to football, both women's and men's basketball games and often followed the teams to Las Vegas, NV for the Mountain West tournaments.

Marvin was married to Frances Ruth Amacker in 1955 and they have 4 children, Stephanie Louise Spallina Sullivan; Mark Gregory Spallina and girlfriend Sandy Crandall; Teresa Marie Spallina Martinez and husband John; Scott Michael Spallina and wife Cindy Kam Spallina. Marvin and Frances have 4 grandchildren, Daniel Justin Martinez and wife Kate; Amanda Lynne Janssen and husband Isaac; and Jade Marie Spallina and Malia Michael Spallina. They also have 4 great grandchildren, Lucy and Benjamin Martinez and Miranda and Martina Janssen. Marvin is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Spallina Boshe, and many nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be held in his honor on Thursday, May 13th at 6 p.m. at French Mortuary on Wyoming Blvd. the Rosary will also be a “Celebration of Life” with time to share memories of Marvin. A Mass will take place at Prince of Peace Catholic Community on Friday, May 14th at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow. Marvin will be buried at a private service at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at a later date.