Lawrence A. SPAGNOLO

Lawrence A. "Spag" Spagnolo, 88, left this earth Saturday, September 3, 2011 in the comforting arms of his daughters at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. He was born on September 8, 1922 in Negaunee to Nicholas and Severa (Elvetici) Spagnolo who had journeyed from Italy. When Spag was seven years old his mother passed away. Nicholas later married Aurelia Chiri who lovingly cared for the family. Spag proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy as a boatswain's mate. While on leave in January of 1945 he married his love, Lenore C. Wiedenmaier. Together they set about raising seven children. Spag was a faithful member of St. Peter Cathedral and provided his children with parochial educations from kindergarten through high school. Spag retired from Lake Shore, Inc. in Marquette after 39 dedicated years of service. He was an avid sports fan and could often be found modeling Detroit Tiger or Green Bay Packer attire. After his wife's passing, Spag opted to reside at the Jacobetti Veteran's Facility where he enjoyed wonderful years of camaraderie with other veterans. He could have a wonderful sense of humor and interacted well with his friends. He was a Bingo maniac and was adamant about being seated at his spot at the table at least a half hour before game time. He posted his winnings daily on the calendar, never failing to report to family members how much fun he was having. He became very close to several staff members who painstakingly attended to his many demands. This was no small task. He grew to love the girls and often told them so. He often brought them treats after a shopping trip to Wal-Mart. The family cannot express enough appreciation for all the tender, compassionate, professional treatment Spag was given over these years especially in this last week. The men and women at Jacobetti are angels. Spag is survived by his sons, Mike (Judy) Spagnolo of Prentice, WI, Paul (Merly) Spagnolo of Cebu, Philippines and Larry Spagnolo of Marquette; his daughters, Sue (Dennis) Bell of Lake Michigamme, Julie (Efrain) Ochoa of Denver, CO and Linda (John) Spratto of Manistee, MI.; 18 grandchildren, Tim, Jill, Jamie, Angelo, Lee, Sarah, Maria and Sheenah Spagnolo, Jesse (Michelle Thierry) Bell, Boone (Gina) Bell, Chelsea, Zachariah and Bianca Ochoa, Shannon (Sean) Cunningham, Tony Spratto, Jason (Jan) Ricker, Jed (Annette) Ricker and Erin Crothers; 17 great grandchildren, Trent, Brody, Lily, Breck, Alexis, Ellarie, Olive, Maude, Daisy, Kaylee, Katherine, Akira, Vincent, Nijo, Christopher, Reece and Rhianna. Also surviving are brothers, Bill and Jim Spagnolo and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lenore; beloved daughter, Janis Crothers; his parents, step-mother, infant son, brothers, Tony and David Spagnolo, and sisters, Angeline Bonetti Guizetti and Alice Coppens. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Saturday, September 17th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ryan Ford officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activities Fund, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Spagnolo's memory. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canaleuneral.com