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Eric Theodore Spinella
Eric Theodore Spinella
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Eric Spinella Obituary
Eric was a graduate of N. B. Broughton High School and later attended the University of North Carolina. His passion for sports and his caring, giving nature were evident through his involvement with Meals on Wheels and his love for animals, especially dogs.
He leaves behind his loving sisters, Gina and Lisa, both of Raleigh, NC. Eric's life was marked by his generosity and kindness, touching the lives of many in his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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Tommy Ray
May 24, 2025
Eric spinella the Deacon of Tar Heel basketball what what a special person you were this is Tommy Ray from 51 years ago she's reaching out to you my friend and you will never be for God I love you man rest in peace go Tar Heels
Samuel Fox Mordecai
April 2, 2025
Yo-Yo, E!
Happy Birthday, MAN!!! I know you are doing well up there. Take care of my dogs, Zeke and George. See you again someday....
Sam M.
Samuel Fox Mordecai
October 21, 2024
The below was presented at Eric Spinella's memorial party at Pullen Park two weeks ago.
The "E Man." What the heck am I supposed to say now?
I know, what about one of his salutations?
"Yo, Yo!"
Or, when I would call him on the phone; "What's up maaaan?"
Or, when he was perplexed and irritated by something; "That makes no sense to me!"
And, when he was really ticked off; "GD a bear!!!!"
I had the pleasure of knowing Eric for the last 30 years. The first time I met him was at Marc Hagan's house many years ago. We had been drinking that night and he and I got into a big argument, about, guess what, politics! E was a proud hippy and steeped in most ideals from that generation. I was not. However, over the years, I discovered that we shared some common ideas about politics and social issues.
Eric helped me for more than 25 years in whatever business I was in at the time. We did some hard and nasty work together. When he stopped helping me a few years ago, it to two people to replace him. Eric was a hustler! And since he took care of my yard at home, "The E-Man" became a family friend. He always asked about what my two children were doing. And he took great care of my old English Setter Zeke when we were out of town.
If E considered you a friend, take that as a compliment. You didn't know it, but if he liked you, you had passed an important test. Eric was not interested in people because they had money, cool toys, or a big-time job. If you put on airs or bragged about your money or house- he was not impressed. Just the opposite. Eric wanted to know what kind of person you were. Most importantly, he wanted to see how you treated other people, especially those who were less fortunate than you. If you treated others badly, he had no use for you.
I always appreciated Eric's help and the type of person he was. Over the years, he never let me down. Not once. And he always did what he said he would do. How many people do that? Eric did.
To this day when I hear an empty trash can being rolled up a neighbor's driveway, I think of E. Eric used to drive by my house occasionally, and if he saw the empty trash cans on the street, he stopped and roll them up to my back steps. My yard has tons of pine trees, so when a storm came through, he would fill up many cans with cones and branches (as many as 15 at times). He put them on the street for pick-up. When the City emptied the cans, he would come by and carry all those cans into my side yard and stack them up. Who does such things? Eric Spinella did.
I only learned this one recently. Eric carried a picture of my two children, Samuel and Isabelle, in his truck. Once again, who does that? The E Man did.
Sometimes when E and I were talking, he would say; "That goes against my philosophy of life." I never asked him what his philosophy was, but I think I know. It was simple. Eric believed in taking care of his fellow man. If you showed loyalty to him, you would get it back, two or three-fold.
After almost 65 years of life, I still don't know that much. There are a few things I do know for sure, however. There is a Holy Spirit. If I know that, then I have to believe in God, Jesus, and heaven. And- I know Eric is in heaven. I hope I get up there because "The E-Man" and I will have a good time playing with my English Setters, Ezekial and George Washington Mordecai. I had another setter when I was young, but he smelled so bad I don't think that even God would want him around.
Whatever you have in your hand, be that iced tea or Pepsi, or maybe even a beer, please toast each other in memory of Eric Spinella. FOR CERTAIN, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW ANOTHER ONE LIKE HIM!!!
Sam Mordecai and Family
Raleigh, NC
Barbara Walsh
October 13, 2024
Eric made me smile nearly every morning when I was at work. He would come in for his coffee and make his rounds of the store wishing everyone a good morning. For us in the bakery it was a bit different. We have a big wall of refrigeration that separates us from the customers so we would hear a Yooooo Hoooooo!!!! as Eric passed us by. I miss that.
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fred morelock
October 12, 2024
I rescued a dog, Emma, about 5 years ago and E became my dog person when I couldn´t get home from work in time to feed, water and walk. About this time E, Emma and I started meeting at Ridgewood for coffee early in the mornings. We would sit on the patio furniture in front of the wine store, drinking coffee, and he would always bring treats for Emma. She ADORED E. As we drove to Ridgewood she would pace and pant and whine until she got to him.
Those mornings will always be special to me. Even though I knew E from 7th grade, I learned more about him in the last few years than I did from years ago. We reveled in our hatred of a certain politician, we talked sports and law and how Raleigh was changing, and his challenges with Michael.
Emma and I visited him a couple days at his home before he went to the hospital. I´m grateful for that visit as he was able to connect with her once again.
Dogs are incredible animals and they know things. She knew he was a kind soul with a huge heart. And E was truly one of the unique people in my life and I miss him dearly.
YO YO E MAN !
Tom Sullivan
September 15, 2024
Eric was among the very first people I made friends with in moving to Chapel Hill in 1974.
We had much in common and the first thing turned out to be softball. We played together before he became the coach, and then became our leader in moving to modified pitch in Carrboro. Eric was the perfect guy to take control of a team and manage egos. More important everyone listened and respected him so we had a close bunch of guys. My favorite Eric softball memory....one game we were playing where a notoriously bad umpire made a horrible call. Eric was incensed and argued just like the major league manager you see on television. He even kicked sand on the umps's shoes repeatedly. He was rewarded by being suspended for the next game. Not to be outdone we made a new Eric...fashioned a dummy from 2x2 poles, added Eric's jersey, acquired a fake beard, added his cap, and put a walkie talkie in his shirt. Eric hid out down the right field line, watched the game and made suggestions. The ump certainly heard Eric's voice but what was he going to do. We had a good time in the bar laughing that night.
The memory of E that I'll never forget...In 1977 we went to New York for Game 6 of the World Series against the hated Dodgers. Eric's grandmother and aunt lived in New York so we had a place to stay. Eric was already familiar with the subways so all I had to do was tag along and be in awe of the city. I'd driven through and by NYC before but this was my first visit inside this circus. It was also my very first major league game. It was also a night history was made. Reggie Jackson became Mr. October by hitting three home runs on only three pitches. Of course the Yankees won, and we went crazy. We stayed up all night until the sun came up going to different bars and watching the city be the city. It was truly a magical and fascinating night. The next year we came back for more games, followed them to Boston for three games, and returned at the end of the season for a rematch World Series.
We shared other things in common...NASCAR and Richard Petty, and of course Carolina basketball. Many nights we spent in front of televisions in town, at home, anywhere we could yell loud for our team.
Eric was simply a good person. He was easy to like and certainly fun to discover new adventures with. I'll never forget the look of awe on his face when he was amazed or truly happy about something. He wasn't just a friend but someone who took me into his life. I met all of his family and spent much time with them. I wasn't just his friend...I was included.
It took me a while to process E's passing, so it's fitting I write this today while the Yankees are playing the Red Sox. Go Yanks...and Go E, forever and ever (and guide one of Judge's hits into the stands today).
Muriel Sink
September 6, 2024
I first met Eric in may of 1978 when I came to visit Richard and never left. Eric was so easy to be with, kind and accepting. I saw my first Carolina basketball games with Eric and the boys. I remember one time it was just Eric and I watching a game and I guess things weren´t going well for the boys in blue and Eric was on his feet, pacing around the room and yelling at the tv. It was disconcerting, I had no clue about the passion that Carolina fans had for the game. I think Eric brought that same passion and energy to bare in so many things he did. My world is diminished without him in it. RIP my brother. Muriel
Mike Buday
September 6, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. We worked together for 17 years at This End Up, 14 years side-by-side. You were my rock at work and boy, did we have some great times there and away from work! I miss "Sundays with E"! RIP Brother.
Angela Hall
July 19, 2024
Eric was definitely one of a kind. Both his kindness and generosity were paramount. Sleep easy, my friend! With open arms, I send my condolences to his family and friends.
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