Theresa Spagnola

Theresa J. Spagnola, 100, of Bethlehem, died on Monday, July 21, 2025. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Mario D'Angelo. Theresa was predeceased in death by her devoted husband of 50 years, Domenic P. Spagnola.

Theresa graduated from Libert High School in 1942. She pursued her vocation at Rudemar Beauty School, Philadelphia, PA, where she graduated as a Beautician in 1946. Theresa owned and operated "Domenic's Beauty Salon" for 50 years. It was here where Theresa would listen, advise, and laugh up a storm, all the while making her clients look and feel beautiful. After high school, she saved her money to attend Rudemar Beauty School through working as a secretary for the United States Signal Corp. Theresa also worked at the Bethlehem Steel Plant as am inspector for 165mm caliber bombs during World War II.

After 50 years of working as a beautician, of which the last 20 years she and her husband Domenic had the beauty salon together, Theresa retired. She loved reading and people and volunteered at the Bethlehem Public Library for 13 years. She also worked in the Bethlehem Catholic High School cafeteria for 10 years. It was there where she had a pocket of change for students who needed a nickel, dime or quarter. She loved the students greatly and was glad to give them an extra cookie from the "throw away trays".

Theresa was a devoted member of St. Anne's R.C. Church where she was an active participant of the Sodality and 55+ Club. She also helped distribute clothing biweekly to those in need with St. Anne's Church.

Theresa sold her house and moved to Moravian House III community 2011. She easily made new friends and participated in pinochle card games 3 evenings a week and was quite the card shark. She held on to her "10's", didn't like to "bid" and brought candy to ease the "die-hards" and sooth everyone's sweet tooth. She would often say, "if we were playing for a thousand dollars things would be different"… it's only a louse 25 cents card game"! Theresa joined activities, cut coupons for veterans, made and shared her home-made zucchini pancakes and kiffles while making many friends. One resident said fondly "to know Theresa is to love her."

Theresa's family will fondly remember her not only as a strong, independent woman way ahead of her time where she was a sole business owner, but also someone who had a joy for life. She spoke her opinions clearly, believed that a good education and hard work gets you to where you are going, and in spending freely the fruits of your efforts in your most favorite places. New York City and stage plays on and off Broadway were her absolutely favorite, not to mention "a good pair of shoes from NYC".

Theresa will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Constance Weiskopf PhD APRN, Josephine Ciocco RN, and Maria Teresa Spagnola, MS BS Special Education Teacher. A son, Domenic Jr. passed away November 8, 1993.

She is blessed with 5 grandchildren, Emily and Jon Weiskopf (wife, Danielle), Andrew and Brian Ciocco, Jaclyn Ciocco DeHart (husband, Jim), son-in-law Andrew Ciocco, and great-grandchildren, Wyatt Oscar and Willa Theresa Weiskopf.

Theresa is survived by her sister JoAnn Venanzi, brother Mario D'Angelo and wife, Constance. A brother Dr. George D'Angelo died November 23, 2014 and is survived by his wife Mary. Theresa is also loved by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends can attend Theresa's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of her life at St. Anne's Church, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, viewing at 10-11am, followed by Mass at 11:00am, 450 East Washington Ave., Bethlehem. A graveside ceremony will follow the Mass at Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden St., Bethlehem, under the direction of the Cantelmi Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Theresa's memory to Bethlehem Catholic High School via mail to 2133 Madison Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18017 (please note in memo: Theresa Spagnola Memorial).