Paul Ippolito Spadafore

SPADAFORE, PAUL IPPOLITO; December 21, 2011. Our father and grandfather passed peacefully from this world to join his loving wife, Eleanor in the presence of his creator. Paul was born June 3, 1924 in Sant' Ippolito, Italy. He lived there for his first 13 years with his beloved mother, Rosina. In 1937 they immigrated to this country. Here, they joined his father, Charles; and brother, Ralph, to resume the family life that was so important to their Italian culture. Paul lived in Pontiac, Michigan and worked diligently to make a better life for himself and eventually, his own family. He served his new country in the Air Force during World War II. Upon his return, he began a long and successful business career. He started out humbly as a shoe repairman and Paul saved his earnings and invested wisely. In 1953, he met and married the love of his life, Eleanor Filice. Together, they lovingly raised five children who are privileged to have benefitted from their strength, virtue, and wisdom. Paul and Eleanor co-owned and operated several businesses in the Pontiac area and were active in their local community, state/local politics, and catholic education. Paul was a founding member of St. Benedict's Parish. Paul's highest priority in life was to care and provide for his wife and children so they could experience and enjoy many opportunities that had not been available to him. During his retirement, Paul purchased a beachfront condominium in Florida and enjoyed many winters there with Eleanor. In 2010, after 56 years of marriage, Eleanor pre-deceased Paul, but now they are together again. Paul is survived by his children and their spouses, Joseph and Mary Spadafore, Paul Spadafore Jr., Lisa and Robert Larson, Dina and Jeff Territo, and Michael, and Sue Spadafore. Paul was "Papa Paul" to nine grandchildren, Amy and Stephen Spadafore, Nicholas and Lucas Larson, Joseph, Michael, and Jeffrey Territo, and Maxwell, and Benjamin Spadafore; also surviving are two brothers-in-law, Anthony (Kay) Filice and Charles (Judy) Filice. Paul was "Uncle Paul" to eight nieces and nephews, Charles and Ralph Spadafore, Roseanne Failla, Collette and Joseph Filice, Julianna Hanna, Rebecca, and Maria Filice. He is predeceased by his brother, Ralph; and his niece, Mary Machelle Filice. Visitation will be at Donelson Johns and Evans Funeral Home in Waterford on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Pontiac. Family will receive friends at the church at 10 a.m. Rite of Committal will follow at All Saints Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to McMaster Residential Group Homes, Inc., 1710 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, MI, 48390. "Dio Sia Con Voi, Papa Paul."