Gary Spitzberg

Gary Spitzberg passed away on September 5, 2024. He has been a true warrior, especially these last four years on dialysis. He had been in and out of the hospital. We found out this last visit that he also had cancer. He went very, very peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his son David Smyer.

Gary is survived by his wife Hallie, daughters: Tonya Wright, Jo Lynn Beard, Tisha Willis; son Stephen Smyer;  grandchildren: Matthew, Michael, Skyler, Chandler, Kelsey, Devin, Connor, Sutton, Stefan, Taryn, Madyson, Bobby, Tommy; 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchildren.

Gary was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. He was an Alumni of Highland High School and UNM. He was an accomplished and beloved teacher, aid and mentor in numerous roles throughout his life with Albuquerque Public Schools.

Gary served the NMOA and NMAA for over three decades. He was an official for regular season, playoff, tournament and championship games for Football, Basketball and Track, even Baseball for a bit. He served on the National Federation Football Rules committee for one year and helped draft/change the rules for Interscholastic football nationally. As the Assistant Director in the NMAA, he was responsible for directing all NMOA functions, and sports officiating in all sanctioned sports under the NMAA. He led, trained and supervised approximately 1,800 officials. He was even inducted into the NMOA Hall of Fame. Gary was viewed as an honorable, trustworthy and devoted person to the Interscholastic Objective and worked tirelessly toward the betterment of the organization and officials in particular

In Gary’s later years, he kept active in the community as a member of the Old Geezers Luncheon Club, a scorer for APS, Highland High, and worked as an APS facility manager at Milne Stadium. As a former Athlete at HHS, he was a devoted alumnus who wasn't shy about sharing the good old days... he also served as an official at various University of New Mexico events with pride and distinction. Gary, along with his esteemed spouse, Hallie, were very active supporters of the Isotopes (working in one role or another with the administration there as well).

Gary was a wonderful husband of 18 years, Pop, Grandpa Gary, GarBear, Coach, Referee, Umpire, Teacher and friend to many, with a spirit that lit up the room.

Gary will be laid to rest on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 am. It is also his 80th birthday! There will be a potluck reception immediately following at Highland High School above the Gymnasium in the Alumni Lounge.

Donations can be made to an account for his wife Hallie to help with final expenses.  https://gofund.me/5ef9e779