Tony Spadafore Obituary

Spadafore, Tony
85, of Scottsdale, Arizona (formerly Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan) was reunited with the love of his life for 56 years, Beba, on September 12, 2012. Tony is survived by daughters Annette and Mary Jo (MJ), brother Sal Spadafore (Rita), sister-in-laws Angie Spadafore, Lucy Perry, and Jean Spadafore, grandchildren-of-his-heart Matthew and Laura Anderson, grandpuppies Bruno and Maggie, and many, many beautiful nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Tony was born in Morgantown, West Virginia and moved with his family to Hamtramck, Michigan, within the city of Detroit, to complete high school. Tony served proudly in the Army during the Korean War then returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Jeannette (Beba) Perry, and to work as a manager with Ford Motor Company, where he enjoyed working on the Edsel. It was a livelong love of learning that motivated Tony to pursue a career in education. His friends referred to him as a "professional student" as he went on to earn Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees from Eastern Michigan University, Lawrence Institute of Technology, and the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) He spent the next 30 years teaching high school and community college industrial education, developing vocational education programs, and coaching basketball. He touched many lives and devoted his time to nurturing future architects and engineers. Retirement was fulfilling as he volunteered at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea and the Mustang Library, was a proud Knight of Columbus at Blessed Sacrament Church, and served as an advisory board member at the Manor Village of Scottsdale. Tony embodied the character of the greatest generation of Americans by demonstrating his love of family, faith, and country. He had a sense of humor so wonderful that he joked with his Hospice nurses upon arrival. He was a gentle soul with a heart of gold and a twinkle in his eye, and he will be missed. We love you, dad, and are grateful that you and mom are together again for all time. Visitation will be Sunday, September 16th from 3:00-4:00 pm, followed by scripture at 4:00 pm at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85251, 480-945-9521. There will be a brief Visitation on Monday, September 17th at 9:30 am prior to a celebration of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am (followed by a reception) at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11300 N. 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ, 85254, 480-948-8370. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org), the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), and Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (www.azdvs.gov).

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Tony Spadafore

11 Entries

Denise Cook

September 27, 2012

I too had the privilege of working with Tony at the Mustang Library when he worked as a Monitor and later as a Volunteer. On the days when I knew he would be at the library, I made an effort to make sure the coffee was on for him. He did enjoy his coffee. His soft spoken manner, his willingness to always help out, his generosity with his time and the fondness in his voice when he spoke of his family are what I remember most of him. Reading his obituary one can see that Tony walked through this life touching people's hearts and making a difference. We should all be so fortunate. Thank you Tony for the inspiration that you unknowingly shared with others. You will be missed.

Marjorie Poteat

September 20, 2012

I love you Uncle Tony !!!!!!!

Aileen Plumb

September 17, 2012

I feel so honored to have known Tony during the course of his volunteering at Mustang Library. He was such a source of strength to me when I went through chemotherapy several years ago and always presented the kindest heart to those he encountered. I will miss you Tony.

Allan McWilliams

September 17, 2012

Although I only got to know Tony for a little while at the library, I feel honored and privileged.

Jean Spadafore

September 17, 2012

Maryjo and Annette, I always remember your Dad as one of the gentlest and caring member of the Spadafore family. He was a great son, husband, father, uncle and brother-in-law. I believe he is having a special reunion with your mom and his two brothers and sister. my love to both of you.

Uncle Tony with Emma

Kimberly Guilbault

September 17, 2012

RiP Great Uncle Tony! I know Aunt Beba, Grandpa and Aunt Mary are happy to see you. Please give them hugs and kisses for me. Thank you so much for making the year that I lived in Arizona so special and making me feel part of the family. I'm so glad that you were able to meet Emma and I wish we could have made it down there for you to meet Christian and say good bye ... But its not god bye .. Its see you later ... Please watch over your daughters ... As they are very special ladies! Annette and Mary Jo you are in my thoughts and prayers and all of us love you guys!

September 16, 2012

Annette and Mary Jo, so sad to hear about your Dad. So many great memories from Ida Lane. Every time I drive by I think of the spaghetti dinners with your Mom and Dad. I hope they are having one now. So sorry for your loss. Loved them both! XO, Jane Ann

Kevin, Nancy, Kaitlyn, & Brandon LaPratt

September 16, 2012

Dear MJ and family:
Our heartfelt prayers and sincere thoughts are with you and yours at this time. You have always shared wonderful stories about your parents, which will provide you with touching memories forever. May our God bless and grant you peace.
Fondly,

Mark and Donise Sarantos

September 16, 2012

Annette and Mj –
Tony was such a gentle, thoughtful and considerate man. His kindness and loving spirit lives on within both of you. Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers your way.

Sal and Rita Spadafore

September 15, 2012

God looked around his garden. And he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. He knew that you were suffering, He new knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never get well on earth again, so He closed your weary eyes. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Tony Spadafore

September 15, 2012

Annette and Mary Jo,
Many miles divide us but we are all with you in thought and prayer. One memory that has always stayed in my head is the way your Mom use to call your Dad "Spadafore". Always makes me smile. I am so proud to share his name.
Love you both
Your cousin,
Tony

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