COSTA MESA, Calif. -- A tough-minded businessman who believed in hard work and fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing an NFL franchise -- that was Los Angeles Chargers owner Alex Spanos.
Spanos died Tuesday at the age of 95 after a long battle with dementia, surrounded by family and friends in his Stockton, California, home.
"Alex Spanos is an American success story, driven by a tireless work ethic inspired by his humble beginnings as the son of Greek immigrants," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a prepared statement. "Alex became one of the country's most successful businessmen, but he never forgot his roots and the call to help others.