Michael C. Spinell

Michael C. Spinell, 91, of Uhrichsville, O., passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Union Hospital in Dover, O., following complications from a fall.

Born April 20, 1918 in Dennison, O., he was a son of the late Carmello J. “Charlie” and Mary Florence (May) Spinell.

Mike shared the past sixty-three years of his life with his beloved wife, the former Mildred V. Kleski, who survives him. After their marriage on January 7, 1946, they made Dennison their home for a number of years before moving to New Philadelphia where they lived for twenty-five years. Most recently, they have lived in Uhrichsville.

In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by a son, Mike Spinell and his wife, Karen of New Philadelphia; a daughter, Mrs. Jerry (Karen) Milburn of New Philadelphia; four grandchildren, Mrs. Neil (Kelli) Moser of Rockwell, N.C., Mrs. Scott (Kristi) Braskett of Powell, O., Todd Spinell and his wife, Susann, of Concord, N.C. and Scott Milburn and his wife, Joanne, of Dennison; six grandchildren, Megan and Ryan Moser, Kate and Erin Braskett, and Jared and Janay Milburn; a sister-in-law, Laura Spinell; and many nieces and nephews.

The last of his generation, Mike was preceded in death by two sisters, Lulu Benedetto and her husband, Fonz, and Josephine Neel and her husband, Harry; and two brothers, James Spinell and Frank Spinell.

Mike retired from Conrail in 1979 after forty-two years as a railroader, having worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Penn Central before Conrail. He was a sports enthusiast and an avid reader who had a wealth of knowledge and a keen interest in politics, as well as sports. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia.

Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941 to 1945. Serving as a T-4 gunner, as well as a cook, in the 6th Division, 63rd Infantry Regiment, he earned many decorations, including the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 2 bronze stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze star. He remained close with his comrades in arms by attending numerous reunions of the National 6th Infantry Division across the United States. Locally, he was a life member of New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445.

Services for Mike, officiated by Msgr. George J. Schlegel, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, in Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia with a military committal service conducted by New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445.

Family and friends are invited to call at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., during which time a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:45 p.m. On Saturday morning, prior to the funeral mass, there will be a time of visitation at the funeral home, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The funeral procession will depart for Sacred Heart Church shortly before 10:00 a.m. that morning.

On Saturday in St. Ambrose Hall, a time of remembrance and a bereavement meal will immediately follow the cemetery services. Those wishing to honor Mike’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Sacred Heart Church and Hospice of Tuscarawas County.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com