Dr. Leon Richard Spadoni of Bellevue passed away at home September 10, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. He was 80.

Dr. Spadoni was born on August 11, 1930 in Kent to Alfred and Renata Spadoni. After a debilitating injury to his leg while in high school, his interest in medicine was formed and his life long passion for helping others took shape.

He attended Olympia Community College and went on to graduate the top of his class at the UW, which began his 50-year plus affiliation with the university.

He graduated from the UW School of Medicine in 1957. He completed his Internship at Minneapolis General Hospital. After a period as an enlisted officer in the Air Force as a Captain were he practiced Ob-Gyn for two years, he returned to the UW to complete his residency in Ob-Gyn. Following that, he completed his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

He joined the Faculty at the UW immediately after that and spent his entire career with the university. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1974 and Professor Emeritus in 1995.

Dr Spadoni served as acting Chairman of the Department of Ob-Gyn from 1975-77, Vice Chairman from 1977-94 and was Director of the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program from 1967-95. He also served as Chief of Staff of the University of Washington Medical Center from 1989-91.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Yvonne, who he met while in medical school; his daughter, Janine; sons Mark and James; and grandchildren.

A memorial and celebration of Leon’s life will be held 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at Sacred Heart Church, Bellevue. A reception will follow also at Sacred Hearth Catholic Church.

Remembrances may be made to The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Friends are invited to get directions, view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.