Joseph L. Spaar, M.D.

March 19, 1948 - June 22, 2019

Joseph L. Spaar, M.D., of Philadelphia,PA, after a very fulfilled life, filled with much love, support and caring of his family and patients, passed away on Saturday June 22, 2019 at 3:57 PM surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born in Pottstown, PA on March 19, 1948, he attended St. Aloysius Parish School and St. Pius X High School, where he graduated as the valedictorian of his class. He graduated from La Salle University and Temple University Medical School. He did his Internal Medicine Residency followed by a Gastroenterology Fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He met his wife, Zoraida Fiol-Silva, M.D., on her first day of Internship at Jefferson on June 20, 1978. It was an amazing love story that magically started during their early medical career and which Joe loved to share with family and friends. Joe and Zoraida, whom Joe always lovingly called “Z”, got married in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 6, 1983 and started an exceptional life together. Joe served as Lieutenant Commander of the US Public Health Service for a few years. After the service, he started his medical career and conscientiously cared for his patients for 39 years. He practiced in Southern New Jersey where he provided the progressive medical care to the community. Fittingly, Joe was always totally committed to the well-being of his patients. Just as dedicated as he was to his patients and his profession, he was always the quintessential thoughtful, gentle, concerned and attentive family man that anyone could ever wish to have as a spouse. Joe was very dedicated to all of his family while enjoying an all-embracing life. His love for family, reading, flying, cars and travel, especially to Puerto Rico, were a source of great happiness. Making sure that his loved ones were happy and healthy was of ultimate importance to him. He was incredibly knowledgeable, inspiring and genuinely loved by all those who met him. In one word, Joe was just an exceptional human being that his wife treasured having been so fortunate to share her life with him. Joe is also survived by his sister, Kathi Cassidy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Jefferson Colorectal Research and Education Fund, 125 S. 9th St., Philadelphia Pa. 19107