Vincent John Spinelli

Vincent John "Vince" Spinelli, age 85, of Naples, Florida, was born on January 22, 1940 and passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family who were grateful to share his final moments and express their love for him. A deeply moving ceremony was led by Tom Fletcher, chaplain and veteran, who offered a blessing and presented Vincent with a plaque and an American flag in honor of his early years of Army service and dedication to our country. With Vince's courage and love for adventure, serving as a paratrooper in the Army suited him perfectly. He reflected back on those years with immense pride.
Vincent was the son of the late Josephine and Nicholas Spinelli and was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He was a graduate of James Madison High School where he excelled in both football and track. He married his first wife, Mary Lou, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage and raised 4 children. Later, he married Theodora "Teddy" Savas. Although they eventually divorced, Teddy and Vince stayed close friends. She remained his trusted confidant through the years and stood faithfully by his side during his final moments.
Vincent was a hardworking and driven man who built a highly successful career through dedication and perseverance. He began his sales career early on selling Bibles, then adding machines, later moving on to sell cash registers for NCR-National Cash Registers. As technology evolved, he transitioned into selling computerized cash registers for Data Terminal Systems which merged with Fujitsu, ICL-International Computers Limited. Over the years, Vince rose swiftly through the ranks-from top sales person, to regional director of sales, and ultimately to corporate vice president of sales. A few years later, he was recruited by ERS- Electronic Retail Systems and eagerly accepted this challenge. Later in life, he transitioned to selling health insurance for Health Markets. Vince enjoyed a long and successful career, continuing to work into his mid-80's. To him, work never felt like a job it was simply a part of who he was.
Dad, Grandpa was immensely proud of his family- he never missed an opportunity to speak with pride about his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to anyone who would listen. He made it a priority to travel for family Christmas celebrations and summer Corn Fest parties. He cherished the time he spent with his family, never forgot a birthday and especially loved "spoiling" the grandchildren on their annual Christmas shopping sprees.
Vince was a great storyteller, always ready with an endless supply of exciting tales- some of them downright hilarious. As he told them, he had this charming habit of pausing mid-story to ask, "You follow me?" It was his way of making sure you were right there with him, every step of the way. He never got tired of recalling these stories from the past and he would laugh just as hard each time he told the story. He insisted there were only two kinds of music- country and western. Vince loved playing golf and tennis in his spare time. His favorite saying was "It is what it is."
Friendships were deeply important to Vince. He was blessed with a very close-knit group of lifelong friends- Harry Kehoe, George Walker, George Carpini, Dan Gallagher and Herb Coyne. His children affectionately called them "uncles", their wives "aunts" and their children "cousins"- they became part of the Spinelli family. Vince made made many good friends during his career -clients and co-workersalike who became dear to him -too many to mention. His close circle of friends in Naples, Florida held a very special place in his heart. Their companionship and loyalty over the years- and especially through his final moments-were true hallmarks of lasting friendship.
Vincent is survived by his former wife and trusted confidant, Theodora "Teddy" Savas, his children; Christine Long and her husband, Robert of Dartmouth, Ma, Donna Spinelli of Dighton, Suzanne Spinelli of Bonita Bay, Florida, and Jill Sullivan and her husband, Chris of Mattapoisett, Ma.; his grandchildren Patrick Fitzsimmons and his wife Lauren, Kendal Fitzsimmons, Shannon Staton and her husband Dennis, Jillian Carocari and her husband Ben, Courtlyn Ruditsky and her husband Max, Madison Barber and her fiancé Patrick Cummings, and Colin Sullivan; his greatgrandchildren, Austin and Amelia Fitzsimmons, Olivia and Mila Staton, and Stella and Skylar Carocari ; his siblings Nick and Alba Spinelli, Dolores and Michael Tripodo and Joette Spinelli, as well as, many nieces and nephews.
Vince's wishes were to be cremated and have his ashes laid to rest in the Gulf of America. A celebration of life is being thoughtfully planned by his loving family and will be held in Naples, Florida.