Dorothy M. Spaziano

Dorothy 'Dottie' M. Spaziano, 88, of Boynton Beach, FL, died at Trustbridge Hospice Care, Boynton Beach FL, on June 27, 2024, following her battle with Parkinsons Disease.
She was born in Providence, RI, on July 30, 1935, to parents John and Dorothy Hunter. Her husband, Ernest Spaziano predeceased her as did her first husband, Serafino Avella. Also, her brothers, John 'Jack' Hunter and Peter Hunter predeceased her.
Dottie is survived by her sons, Paul Avella (Cynthia), and David Avella, and her daughter, Elizabeth. Her grandchildren include Rachel Bray (John), Constance Walinski (David), Jacqueline Hilton (Richard), Anthony Avella (Bobby), Erin Avella (Kyle), Dage Martinez (Kelsey), Cody Martinez (Paige), and Savannah. Her great grandchildren include Lauren Kowalski (Kevin), Mitchell Walinski, Hope Walinski, Kate Hilton, Brooke Hilton, Finn Martinez and Reed Martinez.
Dottie grew up in Providence, RI, leading a hardscrabble life in her youth. Although spending the majority of her life in Rhode Island, she did spend ten years in Hesperia, CA, before moving back to RI for 15 years. During the last year of her life, she lived in the Grand Villa Assisted Living Facility, Boynton Beach, FL.
During her working years she was employed in assorted light industry jobs including A. T. Cross, makers of fine gold and silver casing pens and pencils, and the Christmas Tree Company. In later years, she took delight in being a school crossing guard. She enjoyed seeing the children each day.
For many years, she was an avid bowler, participating in numerous leagues. She enjoyed swimming and horseback riding during her younger days. In her more daring days, she gleefully rode tandem on a Honda Gold Wing.
Dottie was the last of her generation that included through marriage, siblings and spouses, which totaled 31 brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St Michael's Catholic Church, Smithfield, RI, at 10 AM, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Internment will be at the Rhode Island Veterans' Cemetery, Exeter, RI.
In lieu of flowers the family requests consideration be given to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.