Joseph Spicola

SPICOLA, Joseph G., 75, left his family members and friends January 28, 2007. He was the son of Joe and Alma Spicola, lifelong residents of Tampa. He graduated from Hillsborough High School, where he excelled in football and track. He attended and received his law degree from the University of Florida. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Alaska. He devoted a greater part of life to public service, serving as the first public defender in Hillsborough County, the state attorney of Hillsborough County, city attorney for the City of Tampa, and general counsel to Gov. Bob Martinez, among other positions. He was a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association and a longtime partner of the law firm Spicola and Larkin. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his family members and friends. In addition, he was a longtime member of Palma Ceia Golf and County Club. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sydney Allen of Orlando; son, Joseph (Jody) Spicola; son, Jeff Spicola, and his wife, Lisa; three grandchildren, Amelia, Melanie and Michael Spicola; brother, Guy Spicola, and wife, Georgie; his beloved aunt, Billie, and her husband, Van Balen; sister-in- law, Arabella Hart of Orlando; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins; and his longtime friend and secretary of 30 years, Melda Higgins. "To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die" Thomas Campbell. A gathering of family members and friends will take place 4-5 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2007, at Blount & Curry Funeral Chapel, 605 S. MacDill Ave., with a memorial service at 5 p.m. A reception will follow 6-7 p.m. at Palma Ceia Golf and County Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2701 Maitland Central Parkway, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751, or LifePath Hospice, Attention: Donations, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609.