Jonathan Herbert Springer, aged 82, of Clayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on March 17, 2026. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, and friend whose sharp wit and presence are deeply missed.

Born on May 27, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jon was the only child of George Herbert and Dolores (Banker) Springer. His father, originally from Rhode Island and a Brown University alumnus, taught geology at the University of Dayton, where Jon fondly recalled living in faculty Quonset huts on campus. His mother’s family had immigrated from Venezuela, and she worked supporting the Monsignor at Holy Angels Church. Jon attended both Holy Angels Elementary and Chaminade High School. Although he was once considered as a candidate for the priesthood, that direction changed over time.

Jon spent his summers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where his father led geology fieldwork, sparking a lifelong affection for the region. He developed an early passion for sports, playing tennis enthusiastically and starting football in grade school, a pursuit he continued into college. Jon began his studies at The Ohio State University, enjoying college life but finding it impacted his academics. After a candid conversation with his father, he transferred to Northern Michigan University through Michigan connections. There, he played football until concussions ended his sports career, but found inspiration in biology under Dr. Robinson, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology before pursuing a master’s in Ecology and Wildlife Management.

During the Vietnam War era, Jon wished to serve but was unable to enlist due to health reasons. Instead, he joined the U.S. Public Health Department and used his biology background on the Venereal Disease investigation team based in Cincinnati. He often entertained friends and family with stories from this period, recounting learning phlebotomy using oranges, handling measles outbreaks, and helping control local venereal diseases.

In 1970, Jon married Catherine deRoche and soon changed careers, managing the Englewood Tennis Club and its Sand & Gravel division. This led him into commercial construction, which became his lifelong profession. His work included renovating the Cincinnati Times-Star building, constructing much of the Cargill plant on Needmore Road in Dayton, and completing numerous projects in the greater Dayton area. Eventually, he founded his own structural steel company, working with many talented people, including Juan, whom he greatly valued. His company also ran a race car division focused on Modifieds & Late Models, managed by his son Chris with help from Pauly, and together they competed successfully throughout the Midwest.

Cars were a lifelong passion, and Jon owned many sports cars over the years, including Triumph, Aston Martin, Lotus Elan, Toyota MR2, Mazda RX-7 Turbo, Corvette Anniversary Edition, and most recently, a Subaru WRX.

Sports remained central to Jon’s life—he ran with his friend Larry, rode quarter horses with his children, enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles, and scuba dived when younger. He eagerly supported his children and grandchildren in basketball, football, tennis, track, soccer, and dance. His interest in soccer grew when his eldest grandson, Cody, took up the sport at age five, and Jon followed Cody’s progress enthusiastically, thrilled when Cody was selected to play for Heidelberg University, where he continues to play today.

Jon treasured conversations with his family & friends about their journeys, challenges, and successes, always infusing humor and laughter through his memorable storytelling. Among his favorites were tales about Sam the Snake and Rocky Racoon, inspired by the Beatles song and shared with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife Catherine; sons Geoff (Alyssa Brown) and Chris (Jody Spitler); daughter Lindsay; three cherished grandchildren—Cody, Gwendolyn, and Jensen; his brother-in-law Christopher; his “grand-dogs”; and his adored Golden Retriever, Woody.

Arrangements are in care of The WESTBROCK FUNERAL HOME- DAYTON. In keeping with Jon’s wishes, there will be no public viewing; instead, a private celebration of his life will take place soon, inviting friends and family to share stories and memories—a tradition Jon loved.

The family expresses gratitude to Ohio’s Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heidelberg Men’s Soccer or Ohio’s Hospice at the links below:

alumni.heidelberg.edu/MSoccer

www.ohioshospice.org/foundation