Joseph F. Spinelli, 89, of Erie, died on Monday October 9, 2017 at the Gallagher Center at St. Mary's Home East. He was born in Erie on December 19, 1927 a son of the late Joseph Spinelli and Amelia Spinelli Beers.

He grew up on the lower east side of Erie and attended St. Ann's and East High School. He was a veteran of the United States Navy in World War II and the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from the Erie School District in 1990 after 34 years. He also worked for the PA Railroad when he was younger.

He enjoyed traveling worldwide with his wife, relatives, and friends and made many overseas trips to Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East as well as many places in the U.S.. He also enjoyed viewing sports but especially enjoyed baseball and basketball and attended games that his son coached at local high schools and colleges and that his grandson played at McDowell High School. He was a big fan of the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

He was a founding member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and was active in directing their annual spaghetti dinner and served as a member of both the Legion of Mary and the Knights of Columbus for many years. He loved his dogs and his last two, Lady B and Dexter (at St. Mary's Home), were very special to him in his later years.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jeanette Fosco Spinelli; one son, Joseph A. Spinelli and his wife, Carol, of Erie; two grandchildren, Tony Spinelli and his girlfriend, Kate, of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Gina Spinelli of Charlotte, NC; one sister, Judy Galvin and her husband, Jim, of Erie; a special brother in law, Ken Fosco, of Erie; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his Burton Ave. neighbors, Fran Rosiak and Mary Rosiak.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Anthony J. Beers; his brother, Robert D. Spinelli (who also passed on October 9th, nineteen years ago); his sisters, Barbara Spinelli McGill and Joyce Allen; and a special uncle, Patrick Hart.

Joe's family would like to thank all the staff at the Gallagher Center for their care and compassion during his stay there with special thanks to Barbara, Linda, and Carol who were with him his entire time there. The staff there are truly angels on Earth.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Friday morning at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 10:15 a.m.. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Gallagher Center at St. Mary's Home East, 607 E. 26th St., Erie, 16504 or the ANNA Shelter, 1555 E. 10th St., Erie, 16511.

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