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Michael SPANKOWSKI Obituary
He grew up in Hampton and was a graduate of Phoebus High School. He worked for Ford Motor Company for many years until leaving to start his own company, H2O Joes, which he had operated for the last four years.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irene Zurek, and Leslie and Aleen Gilmore; his stepmother, Barbara Spankowski; and his step-grandfather, Archer Vernon Vann Sr.
Survivors include his daughter, Katie Smith; his parents, Stan Spankowski, and Mary Vann and her husband, Vernon; his step-grandmother, Margaret Vann; three sisters, Laura Mallory and her husband, James, Stephanie Hall, and Sheri Vann; three brothers, Stas Spankowski, Mike Hayes and his wife, Tracey, and Pat Hayes and his wife, Karrie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, in the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home chapel, by the Rev. James Cowles. The family will receive friends following the service until 7:30 p.m. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael SPANKOWSKI
Gary Saunders II
March 15, 2022
Spankowski family, I am sad to see this. I have vivid memories of times in class and on the playground with Mike at Robert E Lee ES. He was high energy and witty. God bless the family
Dan Parker
January 21, 2012
Mike was my best friend and the closest thing to a brother I had.He was a great friend and so fun to be around. He always made everyone around him smile.I wish that he believed in himself and saw how srtrong he could be the way that his family and friends knew he could. It's a terrible loss and he will be missed by many people.I will never forget mike and the times we had together.I will always love him and look forward to seeing him again one day.Miss you brother.
Lisa
January 11, 2012
so sorry to hear this. I remember him being so sweet.
Suzanne Boyd
January 8, 2012
I am very sorry to hear the news about Mike. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Sara Gabler Cann
January 8, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Though I hadn't seen him in a long time, he was a special person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lei Darmofal
January 7, 2012
Bill and I was so sorry to hear of Michale's passing. He is at peace now...and in the Lords keep. We will pray for him and all of you!
Bill & Lei Darmofal
sharon watts
January 7, 2012
Stan, you and your son Michael were in my thoughts and prayers all day Thursday. I continue to pray that you get through this tragedy. With God, all things are possible. Love, Sharon Watts
Darlene Marshall
January 7, 2012
My most sincere and fervent prayers for Mary Vann and her family. I worked with Mary 30 years at the VA. My aunt in Roanoke had emergency surgery and I just got back last night. I love you and am always with you in spirit. Love
David Credle
January 6, 2012
He was a good friend and will be missed by all. RIP my friend. Your family is in my prayers.
Bj Bruno
January 6, 2012
To Mikes family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike was a great friend to me while working at NAP and after. Gone too soon....
Christy Allen Sexton
January 5, 2012
Stephanie, Family and Friends,
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Julie Chappell
January 5, 2012
I am so sorry to hear the loss of "Spanky." He was loved by many at Ford and I witnessed myself the hard work he endured during his tenure there, taking pride with all his might.
Bless you all.
Sharon Savage
January 5, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. About 4 years ago, Mike was my former downstairs neighbor in Va Beach and my son Roger worked with him for a short time at H20 Joe's.
Phyl (Billington) Charity
January 5, 2012
It is hard to hear about Mike passing. He has left at an early age and my prayers are with your family.
Terri DeRyder Hall
January 5, 2012
My heart and prayers go out to all of the family. May God comfort you and give you strength during your time of sorrow.
Jackie Plemmons
January 5, 2012
Mary, Vernon and Family,
Words cannot express the deep sorrow I feel for you at this time. My prayers are with you
Lisa Kwasnoski Lucas
January 5, 2012
During the years I worked with Mike at Ford, I was always impressed with his pleasant demeanor and his positive attitude. May your memories of Mike, as well as those expressed by others, comfort you. God rest his soul.
Tricia Watson Merson
January 5, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about this. My prayers go out to your family that they are able to find peace somehow.
Dawn Lackey-Stahmer
January 5, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother,son and Grandson. I have many fond memories hanging out with Mike and Stephanie! Prayers for you all in this time of sorrow.
Julie Antolick Winters
January 5, 2012
I went to high school with Mike and Stephanie; I am so sorry to learn of Mike's death. I will be thinking of your family and hoping that Mike is at peace now.
anna belvin
January 5, 2012
may god bless you and your family
Mina Andrews
January 5, 2012
Fond memories of much laughter and smiles.
My condolences to the family and friends who are grieving at this time.
Coookie Tyndall
January 5, 2012
Dear Mary and Vernon, I am devastated to hear about your son. May God give you strength during this difficult time.
Please contact me for anything I can do.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
shany lawrence
January 5, 2012
stephanie, i am sorry for your loss.. some of my most funniest memories were of running the streets with you and your brother...god bless you and your family...
Leigh Crews
January 5, 2012
My heart goes out to Stephie and her family. Man so many memories and good times. I just wish we had all stayed close like we were in the old days and maybe we would have been there for Spanky in his time of need. I am sorry for that. Stephie my # is 434-283-8151. Please call if you need your old friend. Love you girl. RIP Spanky and May You Walk In Beauty Forever more.. All My Love, Leigh Crews Pritt & Family.
Angela Gerczak
January 5, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. He was a great friend of mine and love him dearly. George and Angela Salyers
Monty
January 5, 2012
I am extremely sadden for the lost of Michael, Michael was a great co-worker and brother at NAP, my heart goes out to his family and may " Spanky" rest in peace.
Melissa Bunting-Brown
January 5, 2012
Prayers go to your family and all of his loved ones. May God put some peace in your hearts knowing that he is in a better place with no suffering or pain. RIP Mike!
Wanda Gatlin
January 5, 2012
Stephanie,
Just know that I am keeping you and your family in prayer. May God continue to bless you all.
CAROLYN CURRENT SPENCER
January 5, 2012
STEPHANIE AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MIKE'S PASSING. I WAS REMEMBERING WHEN YOU, TRE, MIKE AND I HAD TO GO TO SUMMER SCHOOL YOU GUYS MADE GOING TO SUMMER SCHOOL FUN. HE WAS SUCH A GREAT GUY AND WILL BE MISSED. R.I.P. MIKE.
Brenda, Belinda and Gina Gwaltney
January 5, 2012
Mary, Laura, Stephanie, and family,
Just heard of the loss of Michael. It was truely a shock to all of us. Even though it has been many years since we last seen each other (Valerie Drive). Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Lord needed another Angel in Heaven. Let the great memories of Michael help with your healing. Love to all of you!!
Mike & Colleen Walther
January 4, 2012
Dear Mary & Vernon,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Dana Johnson
January 4, 2012
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Mike and I worked together at the Ford Plant for many years. I remember taking my kids over to Hampton for the circus one year and he invited us over and fixed us lunch. What a big heart he had. He will truly be missed. R.I.P. Spanky, my friend, you will be missed very much. God Bless you All.
Lee Jay Gardner
January 4, 2012
May God grant you peace in your heart . Prayers go out to all who knew him as he will be missed . I worked with him at NAP and I am extremely saddened. He was a good guy.
Lisa Creech Burgess
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My heart and prayers go out to the family. God bless all of you!
Bob Boes
January 4, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Mike comfort you. I worked with Mike for many years at Ford Plant in Norfolk. What a kind, good hearted person.
Laura Overbay
January 4, 2012
Stephanie,
May the overwhelming sadness in my heart take but one mere second of pain away from yours. Your brother will always hold a joyful memory for myself and many others, as we grew up.
God Bless You.
Donna Lippencott (Claud)
January 4, 2012
My heart goes out to your family, memories of Mike from our school years together brings a smile to my face..Gone to soon, but it was a pleasure to have met him. Prayers and Blessings to your family. R.I.P. Mike...
Denise Phillips
January 4, 2012
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Mike was truly a nice person. God Bless You All!
Kirk Hilliard
January 4, 2012
Stephanie,
So sorry to see Mike go at such a young age. He will live on through his daughter. Prayers to you and your family in this trying time.
Kirk Hilliard
Tracy Richardson
January 4, 2012
Stephanie, I am sorry to hear about Mike's demise. He was always a fun person and I enjoyed you both in high school. My prayers are with you and your family.
Belen Raker
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mike from Jr. High and High school. He was a great person. He will be missed.
Tina Freeman
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mike well, he was a fun and sweet guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Tina Freeman Lawler, Clemmons, NC
Teresa (Baker) McCarty
January 4, 2012
So sorry for your loss. I went to high school with Mike and liked him a lot. He was always so much fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chris Benfield Cummings
January 4, 2012
Dear Laura and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike will always share a special place in my childhood memories. God's Peace to you and your family.
Tom Plemmons
January 4, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Mikes passing. Although I had not seen him in a while, I often think of all the good times we had growing up. Mike had a way of making us smile with his great since of humor and quick wit. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mikes entire family. You will be missed.
Ann Dixon
January 4, 2012
My prayers are with all of you for this terrible loss.
Karl Allen
January 4, 2012
Sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Taylor
January 4, 2012
Mary, Vernon and family,
I am so saddened to hear about Mike's passing. Many years of wonderful and fond memories I will cherish. I pray that peace will come soon for you and your family.
Jennifer Weaver Taylor
Grace Stringfield (Townsend, Ward)
January 4, 2012
Stephanie,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Michael, I have great memories of him being so comical when we were younger. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Tina Faithful
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of Mike from my younger days. RIP Mike.
Melonie Fluet
January 4, 2012
Sheri and Family,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Leslie Cole Francum
January 4, 2012
Mary, Vernon, Sheri, Stephanie and Katie, My deepest and most sincere condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of Mike and am deeply saddened by the news of his death. My prayers and thoguths are with you and your family during these difficlt times. May God keep you close and give you peace.
sharon watts
January 4, 2012
Dear Stan,
I just heard of the tremendous loss of your son, Michael. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult of times.
Bryan Maratellos
January 4, 2012
Mike will always live in my memories.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Pattie Sobieski
January 4, 2012
Stan,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Love and comfort to you at this sad time.
John and Pattie Sobieski
Sheri Smith White
January 4, 2012
My sincerest and deepest condolences on Mike's death. Mary, Vernon, Laura. Stephanie and Sheri, you were all a big part of of my life for a very long time, and I have so many fond memories of time spent with Mike and with all of you. I pray that the love and support of family and friends help comfort you during this difficult time and help your heart to heal and find peace.
Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.
~ Emily Dickinson
Bobby and Sandy Faison
January 4, 2012
Mary, Vernon and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time
Waynette "Swaim" Anderson
January 4, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. He was a wonderful person and I will always treasure our childhood memories. I will be praying for your family. Please let me know if there is anything we can do.
January 4, 2012
My deepest sympathy! Love and prayers for sustained strength during this time of great sadness. Love, Jenn Fileccia
Jim and Mary Vulgamore
January 4, 2012
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God's peace be with you.
January 4, 2012
Sorry to hear about Mike. RIP spanky!
Dan Neely
January 4, 2012
So sorry for your loss.I will always have great memories of Mike.Prayers to all the family.
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