Leon Spanos

Leon Spanos was born in Pireaus, Greece, married Johanna Samios, and settled in St. Louis in 1956.  They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.  He owned and operated a dental laboratory from 1960 to 1985.  In 1980, as President, he was instrumental in founding the first Ahepa 53 Apartments for low income seniors and now there are 3 projects with 220 apartments and more to come.  Through the success of the Apartments here in St. Louis, the Ahepa National Housing Corporation was born.  At the present, there are 87 projects with a total of approximately 4900  apartments throughout the country. Currently, he is also  serving as Chairman of the Oversight Committee for the Ahepa National Housing Corporation.  In 1988 Leon joined his sons to develop Vetta Sports Indoor facilities.  There are now 5 facilities within the St. Louis metropolitan area.   During the last 16 years, Leon has served as co-chairman for the purchase of the present land for the St. Nicholas Family Life Center and chairman for the Capital Campaign.