Liberty M. Spataro

Liberty (Manuselis) Spataro passed away on January 14, 2026, at the age of 92. She was born on December 5, 1933, in Akron, Ohio, to George and Katherine Manuselis.

Growing up, Liberty was a talented seamstress who earned a scholarship to study in New York but chose to remain at home to care for her parents. After graduating from East High School, she devoted many years of her professional life to public service as a Field Representative for Local 4 of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees. In this role, she worked closely with union members and local leaders, advocating for fair treatment, supporting collective bargaining efforts, and helping employees navigate workplace challenges. She was known for her strong sense of fairness, her commitment to working people, and her willingness to stand up for others.

A devout member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Akron, Liberty was actively involved in her church, where she celebrated her beloved Greek culture and ancestry. She enjoyed the finer things in life, including cooking, sharing meals, and spending time with friends and her large extended family. Those who knew Liberty remember her as a strong and supportive individual who was always ready with advice, laughter, and generosity.

Along with her parents, Liberty was preceded in death by her husband of forty years, Sam Spataro; her sister, Helen Christ; and her brother, George Manuselis.

Liberty is survived by her chosen brother, Demetrious (Ann) Manuselis of Akron, Ohio; her nieces, Kristina (Neil) Espenship and Richelle (Andrew) Ryan of Sonoma, California; her stepchildren, Michael (Kathryn) Spataro, Ann Marie (Wayne) Mohan, and Stefanie (Joseph) Gangl; as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on FRIDAY, January 23, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, Ohio 44303, with Rev. Fr. Dean Kokanos officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Scholarship Fund, 124 S. Union Street, Akron, Ohio 44304.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Liberty’s friends and family who were such an important and cherished part of her life.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)