Dr. Ralph J. Spagnuolo

Dr. Ralph J. Spagnuolo Delta Township Dr. Ralph J. Spagnuolo loved the practice of optometry and was a generous and compassionate man. His patients appreciated his conscientious care and would comment that he would spend extra time in caring for their health and eye care. Some would say that Dr. Spagnuolo had the compassion and patience of the Job in the Old Testament. Dr. Spagnuolo was born May 7, 1930 in Caro, Michigan. His deep compassion and humility was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him as a patient or friend. He was raised in Lake Odessa, Michigan and graduated from Midland High School. Dr. Spagnuolo attended Central Michigan University for three years and received his B.S. Degree in Biological Science and Mathematics from Michigan State University. While at Northern Illinois College of Optometry, he received a B.S. Degree in Optometry. He completed his Optometry training and received his O.D. Degree (Doctor of Optometry) at Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. His postgraduate study was at Indiana University and Ferris State University. Dr. Spagnuolo served as Co-Chairperson of the Michigan Optometric Association Building Committee and was one of the founders of the Central Michigan Optometric Center for Needy Patients. He was a supporter of the Catholic Education Foundation and he started the Thomasina Spagnuolo Fund for eye care of Needy Children. While at Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Spagnuolo was a member of the Tomb and Key National Honorary Scholastic Fraternity, and a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Honor Society. He held the office of Vice-President as well Treasurer of the Omega Delta National Optometric Fraternity and was also Vice-President of the junior class and Vice-President of the Student Council. Dr. Spagnuolo was an officer of the Central Michigan Optometric Society and a past member of the Michigan and American Optometric Association. He also was a former member of the Lansing Lions Club. Dr. Spagnuolo practiced optometry for 38 years. In 1995, he quit his practice in order to take care of his parents, John and Thomasina Spagnuolo. His father passed away in 1997 at the age of 95 and his mother in 1998 at the age of 94 years. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Paul. He was a supporter of Saint Gerard Catholic Parish. In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed bicycling at his home at Houghton Lake, Michigan, as well as downhill snow skiing, volleyball, bowling, and golfing. He was divorced from Rose Ann Spadafore. Surviving are his sister-in-law, Mrs. Doris Spagnuolo; Long time friends and helpers, Janet K. Eichorn, and Brad M. Marble; niece, Lou Ann (Edward) Heitzman; nephew, John; great-nephew, Paul (Erika) Mills and their children, Taylor and Jacob. Visitation is from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service in the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing. Funeral Liturgy will be 11:00 a.m.. Wednesday, May 5, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow, Lansing, with Fr. John P. Klein presiding. Viewing will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at church. Rite of committal Deepdale Memorial Park Mausoleum. Contributions may be made to the Thomasina Spagnuolo Fund for eye care of Needy Children. Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.