Leonard A. Spalding III ’56

Len died May 6, 2026, at his home in Dover, Mass.  

He was the son of Leonard Spalding 1930 and came to Princeton from the Haverford School, where he was a newspaper and yearbook editor. He majored in history and joined Cloister Inn, the Pre-Law Society, and the Aquinas Foundation. After service in the Army, Len attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1961. He joined the legal staff of the Gillette Co., where he rose to deputy general counsel, helping to fend off three hostile takeovers from the Revlon Co. Len was a dedicated member of the board of the Family Services of Greater Boston. 

Len was known for his kindness, quick wit, and keen intellect. He loved ice cream, walking near his vacation home in Chatham, Mass., and swimming in its cold waters. Most of all, he loved being a participant in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  

Len is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia; daughters Catherine Spaulding Mutter (Michael) and Nancy Spaulding Gray; and grandchildren Sarah Mutter, Samuel Gray, Natalie Mutter, and Carolyn Gray.