Bio

Richard Spoto was a native of Tampa, and was a graduate of Hillsborough High School and the University of Tampa. Spoto, was the youngest of 13 children and brought up to value the importance of love and family, education and community involvement. He attended UT on a football scholarship, where he met his beloved wife of 53 years, Betty Hodgson Spoto, and graduated in 1939. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and upon discharge, continued his love of education and athletics by serving as assistant coach at Hillsborough High, and then head coach at Jefferson High School until 1949. Spoto then became the Hillsborough County School System’s first director of health and physical education, a position which he helped develop and lead for four years. After receiving his master’s degree in administration and supervision of schools from the University of Florida in 1952, Spoto became principal of Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School (1953-1961), Sligh Junior High School (1961-1966), and Hillsborough High (1966-1970). Retiring from the Hillsborough County School System in 1970, Spoto continued in educational leadership in the community as the head master of Saint Mary' s Episcopal Day School for a decade. He retired from 41 years of service in education in 1980. His lifelong commitment to athletics and education has been celebrated with many honors, culminating in 2005 with the dedication of Richard C. Spoto High School. Spoto was a constant presence during the construction of the school, and at many school functions and events throughout the years.