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Richard Spinelli Obituary
73 years old, of Sunnyvale California, passed away on December 1, 2013, from complications following surgery. He had been in poor health for the past several years. Richard was known as a very kind and generous man with a witty sense of humor.
Visitation and a rosary service will be held at 7:00 PM Friday December 6th at the Wyant and Smith Mortuary 174 North Sunnyvale Avenue, Sunnyvale California.
A funeral mass will be said commencing at 9:30 AM Saturday December 7th at Saint Cyprian's Catholic Church 195 Leota Avenue, Sunnyvale California 94086, officiated by Father Arthur Yabes. Burial will immediately follow the funeral mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 22555 Cristo Rey Drive Los Altos, CA 94024.
Richard was born in San Francisco, California on March 31, 1940. He attended Saint James School for Boys in San Francisco and graduated from Riordan High School, San Francisco in 1958. Richard continued on to receive a Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.
Richard was married to Bernie Cosma, who preceded him in death.
Richard taught mathematics at JLS Middle School for over 30 years.
Richard is survived by his brothers, Frank Spinelli (Joyce) of Napa California and Joseph Spinelli (Ella) of Fairfax California as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Eileen Spinelli of San Francisco California.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford 25 Welch Road, Palo Alto, California 94304. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at El Camino Hospital, who cared for Richard during his final illness, and all of Richard's friends who have assisted him during his chronic illness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Spinelli
Meilene
July 25, 2018
When Rich and Bernie traveled to China in 1988, I was their tour director who accompanied them throughout the trip. They were such lovely people. We corresponded for many years and I always looked forward to their beautiful Christmas cards each year. I missed an opportunity to visit Richard in 2008 when I was in the area; how much I regret! We had so much fun on our trip in China. Bernie was instrumental in embroidering a t-shirt ("Moon River") for our China tour guide on our last day. I feel sorry to have fallen out of touch with Rich the last few years before his passing. God bless Rich and Bernie! I loved them as friends and will always remember them fondly.
April 19, 2014
Thank you, Rich.
Steve Markakis
February 23, 2014
Mr. Spinelli was my 4th grade teacher at Loma Vista Elementary school in Palo Alto. That was probably 1975. In childhood, if you're lucky, you get a couple of adult standouts that change your life. Mr. Spinelli was absolutely one of these people. He had a rigid system in class and if you messed up, he'd have you in the classroom during recess breaks writing your mistake's Webster definition (for example 'run' for running in class) 10 times. He'd review it and if you made errors, he'd have you back in the next day for more of the same. I look back on this and just love it He really earned the student's attention and respect. He was a fantastic teacher as well and appreciated the science and math side of the cirriculum - which helped me to pursue this direction in my later studies. He fostered interest and learning in computers and would invite us to remain after the days session to work on the Teletypewriter, phone modem connected to the school district's HP2000 mainframe. We'd make banners and program some simple 4th grade level stuff in the programming language BASIC. I'm nearly 50 now and still can't seem to call him Rich as I remember him in teacher mode where the formality of Mr. Spinelli was appropriate. You'll be missed Mr. Spinelli. Thank you for making such a fantastic mark on my life and education. You were one of those rare quality people I was lucky to have met! Thanks for being my 4th grad teacher!
Steve Markakis ([email protected]) 2/2014
Greg Brooks
December 7, 2013
Rich and Bernie were great neighbors, always friendly and encouraging. When we lost Bernie, it was obvious how hard it was for Rich. But, he continued to be cheerful and as nice a guy as one could find anywhere.
While I never met his siblings or their families, he frequently spoke of them and talked about how much he enjoyed their family celebrations; especially for holidays.
But, I did meet several of his former students who came by to help with projects around the house. Their love for him was obvious and inspirational.
Over the past few years, as his health degraded I would always ask him, "how are you doing Rich?" His answer was consistently, "hanging in there;" then, he would ask about me and my family.
Our neighborhood is going to really miss this truly special man - my wife and I will miss him as much as anyone. But, someday, we'll see him and Bernie again and I'm certain they will be doing much better than 'hanging in there.' I look forward to that day.
December 6, 2013
Mr. Spinelli was my 7th grade pre-algebra teacher and one of my favorite teachers at JLS. He was well-loved by many students. -- JLS 1999
December 6, 2013
Rich, We will never forget you and all you have done for our family. Sincerely with love Betty Ann, Andrew, Sarah
Jon Monestier
December 5, 2013
Thank you for all you taught me Mr. Spinelli. Was my favorite teacher at Wilbur for two straight years. Still have many fond memories of the fun and learning we had in his classes in both math and computers. Thoughts and prayers with all the family
December 4, 2013
Richard and Bernie were two of the nicest people you ever wanted to meet. I have had the pleasure of waiting on Richard(and Bernie) at 2 different restaurants for many years. I hope he knew how fond of him we all were. I will never make macaroni salad again without thinking of him!!! Thank you for your friendship Richard. Love,Audrey
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