Joseph G. Spinner

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Hershey High School

Joseph Spinner Obituary

Joseph G. Spinner HERSHEY Joseph G. Spinner, former chef/owner of Spinner's Inn & Restaurant died Christmas Day, December 25, 2013, at the age of 86. The landmark Chocolate Avenue business in Hershey included both an inn and restaurant.The restaurant was originally known as Spinner's Parisian when opened by Joe's father in 1947. Joe, along with his wife Pat, operated Spinner's for 50 years until they retired in 1997. Enlisting in the Army after graduation from Hershey High School in 1944, Joe attained the rank of Sergeant in the Ninth Traffic Regiment, Third Army and was an observer to the Nuremberg Trials, most notable for the prosecution of prominent members of the political, military, and economic leadership of Nazi Germany. As a teenager, Joe worked as bellman and was once a caddy for Ben Hogan at the Hotel Hershey. Joe lived most of his life in Hershey, moving from Montclair, N.J., with his family at the age of three in 1930. Known as someone who was never without a joke to tell, Joe was well known in the community and belonged to numerous organizations, including: SKOL International, PA Restaurant Association, Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), Hershey Historical Society and St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church. Joe was a skilled amateur cartoonist, and often produced cartoons for publication in his neighborhood association paper. Additionally, Joe enjoyed travel, coin and stamp collecting, reading, and sports. Joe was predeceased by his father, William Spinner, and his mother Isabella Smyth Spinner. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat Spinner, and their five children, Patrice (Philip) Young of Cornwall, Ann Spinner of Hershey, William (Catherine) Spinner of Larchmont, N.Y., Kathleen (Michael) Greenblatt of Lancaster, and Cynthia (Mark) Rice of Palmyra. Although known simply as Joe to most who knew him, as a devoted family man and grandfather, Joe was also affectionately known as Papa Joe, PePa, and Grandpa to 16 grandchildren: Madeline, Rebecca, Alex, Joseph, Hannah, Rebecca, Genevieve, Christina, Daniel, Alexander, Jayson, Megan, Alessandra, Eric, Caroline, and Katarina. Friends will be received on Monday, December 30, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Hoover Funeral Home, Rt. 422 and Lucy Ave., Hershey, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Joan of Arc Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, at 12 noon. Interment will be private in the Hershey Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice or the Sacred Heart of Jesus Building Fund. Share condolences with the family at www.hooverfuneralhome.com

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Published by Lebanon Daily News on Dec. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Spinner

8 Entries

Eugene Allen, P.E.

January 3, 2014

I first met Joe Spinner when I retired from the Air Force in 1974 and moved my family into the court-yard at 450 Chocolate Avenue - a location that we shared with the Spinners for about a year. That was a time when the country was trying to sort out the whole racial integration entanglement; so it was not common for housing units to be mixed-race. As it was, Joe and his famiy were adjusting to life after the fire which had only recently destroyed their business and they had temporary residence in the same court-yard. Even in their misery, Joe and Pat reached out to make us feel welcomed and comfortable.

We shall forever be indebted to Joe and his family for the courtesies they extended to my family and to me during that time of adjustment for all of us. He was a good man. A man whose memory I will always respect.

Someone once wrote, "The moving finger writes and, having writ, moves on...". Joe has written an indelible mark on our hearts which will linger forever. Thank goodness we had the opportunity to have met.

May his family find comfort and peace during this time of bereavement.

Lori Krause Renne

December 30, 2013

Mr. Spinner drew the best picture of my dad, Punch Krause, entering into heaven. My family and I cherish that picture. Now Punch is greeting his friend Joe at those pearly gates and they are surly enjoying some good laughs together. Prayers and hugs to you all.

John Callahan

December 30, 2013

We still remember meeting Joe, Pat & all of the Spinner family when we moved to Hershey in 1974 & lived at Highgate. The Spinners were also living there as there had been a fire at their home. Our youngest son, Ian (age 2) mistakenly wandered into their apartment & Joe & Pat treated him just like one of the family! We will keep Joe & all of the Spinner Family in our thoughts & prayers. Ginny & John Callahan

Phil

December 30, 2013

Please except my condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Lean on Him for support through prayer and reading his word the Bible daily.

Betsy (Mengel) Sanford

December 29, 2013

Dear Pat and family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

This fall I had the pleasure of attending the 69th Hershey H.S. reunion with my Dad. I was so happy to see Joe...his big smile, belly laugh, and jokes seemed like I was back in the kitchen at Spinner's when I was a child. I'll remember him with fond memories.

God Bless you.

Joe at his 69th High School Reunion this fall

Betsy (Mengel) Sanford

December 29, 2013

Timothy Mark

December 29, 2013

Dear Pat and family, What can one say about a man who meant so much to my family and to me....whether visiting my father at Spinner's, working as a busboy, or entertaining a date there with Joe's cartoon on the menu, he was a great person and he will be missed by many...may God Bless...

Schell Family

December 29, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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