Alex Spanos, longtime owner of Chargers, dies at 95

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers announced the death of team owner Alex Spanos on Tuesday. He was 95.

Spanos purchased 60 percent of the Chargers in August 1984 from majority owner Eugene Klein for $70 million, the culmination of a lifelong dream to own an NFL franchise. Over the next decade, Spanos bought out shares of several minority owners and now owns 97 percent of the team.

The pinnacle of Spanos' ownership was the Chargers reaching the Super Bowl after the 1994 season.

While he remained active for many years in business matters related to the team, Spanos turned over the day-to-day management of the Chargers to his eldest son, Dean, before the start of the 1994 season. Dean Spanos currently serves as the Chargers' controlling owner and team chairman.

The Chargers moved from San Diego to Los Angeles in early 2017.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement Tuesday.

"Alex Spanos is an American success story, driven by a tireless work ethic inspired by humble beginnings as the son of Greek immigrants," Goodell said. "Alex became one of the country's most successful businessmen, but he never forgot his roots and the call to help others. Along with Faye, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Alex's philanthropic and civic contributions touched many lives throughout California and around the country.

"He was a marvelous friend and partner, whose impact on the NFL will never be forgotten. We all benefited from Alex's compassion, character and zest for football and life. On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our deepest condolences to Dean, the entire Spanos family and the Chargers organization."

Alex Spanos was born on Sept. 28, 1923, in Stockton, California. One of six children, Spanos built a billion-dollar fortune in real estate and construction. Alex and Faye Spanos married in 1948, raised four children -- Dean, Dea, Alexis and Michael -- and became prolific philanthropists, donating to causes related to schools, children, the arts and hospitals.

Faye Spanos died earlier this year, in August, at the age of 92.

Faye and Alex Spanos leave behind 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.