Joseph A. Spinelli

Joseph A. Spinelli, 82, of Baroda, passed away, Friday, October 31, 2008 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in St. Joseph. Services celebrating his life will be held at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Msgr. Michael Osborn officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Bridgman with military rites conducted by Coloma American Legion Post #362, VFW Post #1137 of Benton Harbor, and VFW Post #6803 of Watervliet. Friends may call from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of SW Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Spinelli was born February 12, 1926 in Chicago to Russell & Tina (Genualdi) Spinelli. He served his country during WWII in the US Navy. On May 10, 1950, he married the former Betty Jean Wiley in Chicago. Joe was an electrician all of his working life, most recently at Auto Specialties in St. Joseph; and then as owner and operator of Spee-Dee Electric in Baroda from 1982 until 1998. Joe was a member of Baroda American Legion Post #345, and Little Sons of Italy. He enjoyed the theater and music–acting, singing and performing in many productions over the years. Joe and Betty enjoyed the time spent at J & J Ranch and Silver Spur Ranch here in Michigan. They made many a life-long friend in the time they spent there. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Mr. Spinelli is survived by his daughter Sabrina (Rick) LaSota of St. Joseph; and his granddaughter Lindsey LaSota of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his wife Betty on December 29, 2007.