Captain Emilio S. "Memo" Spinola

Emilio "Memo" Spinola, 91, of Gloucester, MA, passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on August 11, 1933, in Gloucester, MA, Memo was the son of Domenic Spinola and Fannie (Scola). He graduated from Gloucester High School and began his career as a commercial fisherman out of Gloucester, MA. Soon after, his family built and christened the St. Mary in 1953, where he served as the captain for nearly forty-five years.
Memo was recognized by the Governor of Massachusetts and Senator Tarr for his work on the Fisherman Loans Fund, where he served for over 34 years. In addition, he was a longtime member of St. Peters and the Elks Clubs.
He married the love of his life, Ida Parco, on November 25,1956, in Gloucester, sharing nearly 68 years of marriage. Together, "Captain Memo" and Ida enjoyed countless weekends spent with friends and family.
Known for his warmth and generosity, Memo never missed an opportunity for a good conversation. Whether breaking bread at the dining room table, or meeting him on the marina docks, one could expect to share stories about life, work, and family. One of his highlights included meet ups with his goombadies for coffee at McDonalds in Gloucester.
Memo is survived by his beloved wife Ida; his grown children; Stephanie Jackson and her partner Theodore Nigro, Domenic Spinola, Cathy Aiello and husband John, Natalie Hasenstab, and husband Eric, his grandchildren; Michael Vestal and wife Grace, Lisa Bernstein and husband Matt, John Aiello, Jr. and wife Angela, Michelle Conejo and husband Albert, Katelyn Hasenstab-Childs and husband Scott, Justin Hasenstab and partner Andrea Koralishn; along with many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition, he is survived by brother Michael Spinola and wife Doreen, sister-in-law Sandra Spinola, brother-in-law Cosimo Parco, and Aunt Mary Scola. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Spinola and son-in-law David R. Jackson.
Friends and family are invited to attend a visiting hour in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester on Friday, November 8, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church on Friday, November 8th, at 11 am followed by his burial in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Memo's memory to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com