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BORN
1950
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Walter Spagnola Obituary
May 8, 1950 - December 29, 2020
Middletown, New York
Walter Spagnola, age 70, of Middletown, NY, passed away on December 29 after a brief but hard-fought battle with COVID. He was born on May 8, 1950 to the late Fran and Vito Spagnola in the Bronx, NY. He was a fierce protector of anyone or anything he believed in and would do anything for anyone. For 35+ years he worked for the NYS Thruway Authority as a bridge painter for what used to be the Tappan Zee Bridge. One of his most notable and heroic acts while working on the bridge was saving a distraught man from jumping off the very top of the bridge. He spotted him with his binoculars, jumped into a Thruway vehicle, and climbed, minus his harness, to the very top to get to the man's side, all while NYC News helicopters were circling around them. He calmed the man down enough until NYS troopers could assist in the save. The bridge was shut down for hours. Walter was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and enjoyed going on hunting trips with his good friends to their hunting cabin. He also enjoyed the beach, particularly the Jersey Shore, where he would go with his wife, Peggy, every summer for years. Walter was a member of the Washington Heights Fire Department in Middletown, NY for several years and served as Fire Police. He was just presented an award on December 3rd, 2020 as 2019's Fire Police of the year for outstanding dedication and service.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Peggy; his children: Christopher Napolitano, and Dawn (Larry) Natale; and grandchildren: Joseph, Michael, and Lia. He is also survived by his brothers: Vito (Jackie) Spagnola, and Anthony; and nephews: Jason and Anthony Jr.; as well as many, many friends.
Services at this time will be held at a later date due to COVID. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the charity of your choice in his honor.
Arrangements were entrusted to Martinez-Morse Funeral Home, 33 Railroad Avenue, Middletown, NY. Messages of condolences may be made at www.DeWittFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Spagnola
Sponsored by Martinez-Morse Funeral Home - Middletown.
Debbie Shumaker
May 31, 2021
Dear Peggy and Family: We are so very sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. Whipporwill just won’t be the same without seeing him loading up your car for the beach, or hearing restaurant reviews after your dinners out. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Shouy and Debbie Shumaker
Timothy Knipling
January 10, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Walter will be missed.
Ann Marie Trotta
January 8, 2021
I am so sorry for you loss. I have many fond childhood memories of Walter. May he rest in peace.
Jerilyn Maruzzella
January 7, 2021
I’m so very sorry. I know I have many happy memories because of Walter and my brother Ted. My brother will miss his life long friend. He will be held in our hearts forever. Love and prayers Ted & Jerilyn
BARBARA GENDRON
January 7, 2021
Walt as he was known at the round table, Dunkin' Donuts , exit 119, always had a story especially about doing his gig as a school bus driver. He always brought joy and laughter to my husband, Rodney. Now, they are united forever. My heartfelt thoughts to Peggy and the family.
Barbara Gendron
Peg Peters-Sabo
January 6, 2021
Walter was a good friend and great Captain of WHFD Fire Police and I will cherish our memories ❤ and advice and places we did together at OCVFPA. He will be missed but Not forgotten Rest in Peace my condolences to the family
PEG PETERS-SABO
January 6, 2021
Walter was a good friend and a great Captain of WHFD Fire Police. I will cherish our memories ♥ with him and his advice, he gave me or places we went like OCVFPA, he will be missed but Not forgotten Rest in Peace sending ❤ condolences to the family
PEG PETERS-SABO
January 6, 2021
Walter was a good friend and a great Captain of WHFD Fire Police. I will cherish our memories ♥ with him and his advice, he gave me or places we went like OCVFPA, he will be missed but Not forgotten Rest in Peace sending ❤ condolences to the family
Peg Peters-Sabo
January 6, 2021
Walter was a good friend and a great Captain of WHFD Fire Police, I will miss him at our OCVFPA meetings and at our firehouse. He always had good advice and i will cherish the good memories, He will be missed but Not forgotten Rest in Peace, sending condolences to the family .
Peg Peters-Sabo
January 6, 2021
Walter was a good friend and a great Captain of WHFD Fire Police, I will miss him at our OCVFPA meetings and at our firehouse. He always had good advice and i will cherish the good memories, He will be missed but Not forgotten Rest in Peace, sending condolences to the family .
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Martinez-Morse Funeral Home - Middletown33 Railroad Ave, Middletown, NY 10940
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