Robert "Craig" Spann's Obituary
Robert “Craig” Spann of Potomac Falls, VA, passed away suddenly on August 5, 2025, at the age of 56. Born September 26, 1968, in Mount Holly, NJ, to Robert B. and Betty E. Spann, Craig lived a life filled with laughter, loyalty, and an unshakable passion for Notre Dame.
Craig is survived by his siblings, Cindi Lamkin of Maple Grove, MN; Robert K. (Janet) Spann of Punta Gorda, FL; and Suzanne Spann of St. Simons Island, GA. He was a beloved uncle to Melissa (Kevin) Timm of Plymouth, MN; Kristopher (Cheryl) Lamkin of Wildwood, MO; Brooke Spann of Reston, VA; and Brian (Jessica) Spann of Reston, VA. His legacy also lives on through his great-nieces and great-nephews: Lillian Timm, Miles Timm, Kate Lamkin, and Joey Lamkin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loyal fur-friend, Murray.
Craig was a proud Double Domer, earning his Bachelor of Science in 1990 and returning for his MBA in 2002. He was a die-hard Fighting Irish fan—whether in the stands in South Bend or watching from home, no one dared interrupt him during a Notre Dame game. He cheered just as loudly for the Chicago Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles, but Notre Dame always held his heart.
Life and work took Craig many places and connected him with friends around the globe. From his childhood moves—from New Jersey to Illinois, then Florida, then Texas where he graduated from Antonian College Preparatory High School—to his career adventures with Motorola, his work carried him across the world (and into countless memorable stories). Later, his career path led him to Virginia, then San Diego with Qualcomm. In 2014, he “retired” from corporate life to return to Virginia to be closer to his father during his illness. In more recent years, he worked as an independent consultant, continuing to lend his expertise while enjoying more time for the people and passions that mattered most.
Craig had a sharp wit, a generous heart, and an endless supply of Notre Dame gear for every occasion. His friendships spanned decades and continents, and he had a gift of making everyone feel like family.
In true Irish fashion, we will remember Craig not with quiet sorrow, but with joyful stories, shared laughter, and the fight song playing in the background. Go Irish—Craig will be watching every game from the best seat in the house.
Services and interment will take place at the University of Notre Dame at a later date. The family asks that Craig be kept in your thoughts and prayers and, since we all can’t enjoy his latest brew, raise a pint of your favorite ‘To Craig.’
For those who wish to honor his memory with a gift, memorial donations may be made to the Carroll Hall Gift Fund at the University of Notre Dame ( https://giveto.nd.edu/campaigns/51532/donations/new?NDAC=1054 ) or to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA ( https://www.caspca.org/Donate ).
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