Obituary of Clayton R. Spangenberg

Clayton R. Spangenberg, 72, of Freehold Township passed away at Lakeview Rehabilitation and Care Center on Thursday, May 4, 2023.  He was born in Rahway, raised in Edison, and lived in Cliffwood Beach before settling here in the 1980’s.  Clayton matriculated at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.  He worked as a patent illustrator for AT&T (later Lucent) in Holmdel and did freelance patent illustrations for many years before retiring in 2005.  Clayton was a true renaissance man; he was an artist who utilized all artistic mediums, a photography enthusiast, and a multitalented musician who could play guitar, piano, and the flute.  His fascination with technology was one of the motivating factors for his work in his field.  An avid reader, Clayton would stay up until the wee hours of the morning devouring book after book.  A man of faith, he was a former member of Ardena Baptist Church in Howell.  Clayton was a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather.

Clayton was predeceased by his son, Daniel R. Spangenberg, in 2018.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Bonnie; his children, Heather Fierro and her husband, Peter of Wayne, Stephanie Roseman of Clifton, Matthew Spangenberg of Jackson, Hope Hughes and her husband, Ryan of Bradford, Rhode Island, and Natalie Spangenberg of Freehold; his five grandchildren, Matthew, John, Derek, Ethan, and Faith; and his sister, Elaine Colwell of Maine.    

All arrangements at this time are private and under the direction of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home.  A memorial service may be held in the future.  For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com