John Kelley Springer

John Kelley Springer, 78, beloved husband of Jane Parsons Springer, died February 4, 2010, at Hartford Hospital from infectious complications of a brain tumor. Born in Salem, Ohio, on May 11, 1931, son of the late Wilbur J. and Nellie Kelley Springer, he graduated from Bay Village High School in Ohio, Dartmouth College in Hanover NH, Class of 1953 and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI where he received his masters in Hospital Administration in 1959. While at Dartmouth he majored in sociology, was a member of the Beta Theta Pi National Fraternity, and was an officer of the Sphinx Senior Honorary Society. Following graduation from Dartmouth he joined the United State Marine Corp where he spent 5 years on active duty as a jet and helicopter pilot. Following active duty he served in the Marine Corp Reserve retiring at the rank of Colonel. John served Dartmouth's renowned Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital as Hospital Administrator from 1960-1971 in Hanover, NH. In 1971, Mr. Springer joined Hartford Hospital where he served as president and CEO for 20 years. He was instrumental in initiating the trauma and emergency program as well as the LIFE STAR Air Medical Program in 1985. The John Kelley Springer Heliport at Hartford Hospital was dedicated on October 25, 1990. Following his retirement from Hartford Hospital he developed the Connecticut Health System incorporating Newington Children's and Meriden Wallingford with Hartford Hospital and developed MedSpan, a provider sponsored HMO. In 2003 he and his wife Jane moved to Sunapee, NH. This move provided many opportunities for family gatherings and a reconnection to Dartmouth College. In retirement he served as President of his class at Dartmouth, and was member of the Alumni Council. His interests in Health Care lead him to serve on numerous boards including the Board of Directors at New London Hospital, the Rockefeller Center Board of Visitors, the American Hospital Association as PAC Chairman, as well as President of the New England Hospital Assembly, and the Travelers Insurance Board for 25 years. Included among his many awards were The Award of Honor from the American Hospital Association, and the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Award. In his community he served the church as an active member on boards and committees. He is survived by Jane Springer of Washington Pa, his loving wife of 53 years; daughters, Kelley Braun of Marblehead MA., Dana Poirier of Downingtown PA, Susan Springer of West Hartford CT and Nellie Kraus of Sewickley PA; brother Wilbur J. Springer Jr of Seattle Washington, sister Elizabeth Wise of Springerville Arizona; and 10 grandchildren who affectionately refer to him as "Pa". He will always be remembered for his humor, and his unique ability to genuinely make everyone feel important and loved. As a symbol of the respect and devotion that the Hartford Hospital has for John Kelley Springer, former President and CEO, it has been ordered that the hospital flag be flown at half staff. "Semper Fi". Funeral services will be Monday February 8th at The First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main St. West Hartford, at 2:00pm. A wake will be held on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the LIFE STAR Educational Fund c/o Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour St, Hartford, CT 06102. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com

John Kelley Springer

May 11, 1931 - February 4, 2010