Melvin Spat

Melvin attended New York University and Northeastern University in Boston, where he earned degrees in mechanical engineering and physics. Melvin had a long and successful career in engineering. During his long career, he was an innovator, inventor, and recipient/holder of multiple patents for devices still in use today. He and his wife, Barbara Spat, are survived by three children, Fred Spaeth, his wife, Eliana, their children, Benjamin and Emmet, his daughter, Meryl Anne Spat, and son Dr. Ken Spaeth, his wife, Melissa, and their three daughters, Maya, Oona and Esme. For many years, Melvin taught engineering students at Bridgeport Engineering Institute. Melvin was an entrepreneur, running a small family business out of his garage for a time, a pipe smoker, an avid bridge player, a lapidary, a tinkerer, a silversmith, a lover of Yiddishkeit, a nature lover, and a world traveler, often traveling with Barbara and his first cousin Evelyn and her husband Arnold. He was a patron of the arts, a season-ticket holder for the Stamford Symphony, theater goer and an actor who appeared in numerous community theater productions including "The World of Sholom Aleichem." For almost 50 years he lived in Stamford, a devoted husband and father, raising children with Barbara, always encouraging his children to pursue their dreams and advance their education. Upon Barbara’s death, Melvin moved to Southington. In his early 90s, he was granted a second lease on life, finding new love and companionship in JoAnne Leahy. Melvin and Joanne spent years and precious days together, delighting and surprising both families with their union, and relishing their new adventure. Together, Melvin and JoAnne continued to inspire, confound, and touch everyone who knew them. They will both be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at 5:15 Sunday November 5, 2023 at The Emanuel Synagogue 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford CT 06117 followed by a gathering in West Hartford to remember Melvin at Fred's home, address to be announced.