Alan George Glaros

Alan George Glaros

May 2nd, 1948-November 4th, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Alan George Glaros, who died peacefully at home in St. Petersburg, Florida surrounded by family on November 4th, 2026. Alan passed away at the age of 78 after a short but extremely brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Alan was born on May 2nd, 1948 in Youngstown, Ohio to parents George and Catherine Glaros (née Katavolos). After losing his mother at a young age, Alan welcomed Yetta Silver into his life when his father remarried. Yetta deeply loved Alan and his sister Joan and became another mother to them in every sense of the word.

Alan grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio and was a talented organ player at local churches, a talent that he carried on for the rest of his life, even building his own electronic organ. Alan began his academic journey at Ohio State University before transferring to Stanford University, where he graduated with a B.A. with Distinction. He continued his education by completing his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Stony Brook University. While completing his Ph.D., Alan met a fellow student who would become the love of his life, his wife of 52 years Eileen Spony.

Alan was an accomplished researcher and professor with a passion for teaching, mentoring, and advancing his field of study. Alan taught and researched at Wayne State University, University of Florida, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and most recently as Associate Dean at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Alan was an accomplished researcher with over 180 publications, with a focus on advancing the treatment of orofacial pain. He continued to work on his research right up until the end. In addition to research, Alan supported his field as a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health, reviewing articles for various professional publications, serving as a national faculty member of the NBOME, and as Treasurer and later President of the AABT. Post retirement, Alan also worked and volunteered at the Kansas City Care Clinic.

No accomplishment was greater for Alan than the family he loved so much, his wife and two sons. Alan and Eileen raised their family for many years in Overland Park, Kansas before relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2022 to be closer to their son Chris. Beyond his professional life, Alan found joy in baking, gardening, home improvement, classical music, playing the organ, crossword puzzles, weekly trivia nights with his family, and enjoying many adventures both travelling the world and exploring locally with his wife Eileen. They most recently enjoyed a trip to Morocco together this spring. Alan also deeply valued being a lifelong learner and had been attending Greek language classes in Overland Park and later Clearwater.

Alan is survived by his wife Eileen Spony, sister Joan Glaros, son and daughter-in-law Chris and Danielle Glaros, brother-in-law Harry Spony (Kelly), niece Jennifer Spony Martin (Brad), nephew Brian Spony (Carson), and several great nephews. He was predeceased by his youngest son Alex Glaros and his beloved dog Bella, and his parents George and Catherine Glaros, and Yetta Glaros. A special thank you to all the staff at Moffitt Cancer Center, Brighton Bay Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, and VITAS hospice care.

A visitation & gathering will be held for Alan on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:15-8:30pm, at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr MLK Jr St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. There will be a celebration of life in 2027 per Alan’s wishes.

Throughout his life, Alan was known for his curiosity, determination, and gentle spirit. Alan was an amazing and loving husband, father, brother, son, father-in-law, and friend. He will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.