Joseph George "Joey" Spinelli

Mr. Joseph George “Joey” Spinelli, age 30, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 as the result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Born in Utica on April 26, 1976, Joey was the son of George D. and Francine K (Rappa) Spinelli. Raised and educated locally, he was a student at Utica Senior Academy at T.R. Proctor High School graduating in 1994. He continued his studies at North Country Community College. Joey was employed by the Kaufmann Dept. Store where he worked in the Men’s Suits Dept, a job for which he was well qualified at helping others choose the right attire. He was next employed for a number of years as an installer for Eastside Glass. He then spent some time with the Utica City School District, working as a Teacher’s Assistant at JFK. He currently was working with Pleeter Sheet Metal, a craft that gave him great satisfaction and a sense of enjoyment. In addition, he was a seasonal employee of the Sandstone Hollow at the Turning Stone Resort where he worked as a pro shop attendant. Possessing a high degree of self-confidence, Joey was a true free spirit who lived both “in the moment” and “for the moment.” He was open to new experiences and always aspiring to be accepting and understanding of others. One of his defining characteristics was his strong sense of determination and adventure, qualities that were significant in all aspects of his life. Joey was deeply proud of his Italian heritage. Accorded a preeminent place in his household, he was “the King,” deeply admired and loved by his family and friends. He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Joey was a lifelong hockey enthusiast, sportsman, and fan. He played from his earliest years when he first learned to skate right through high school. He also coached in the Rome Youth Hockey League. His favorite professional player was Wayne Gretzky who played for the Oilers, the L.A. Kings, and the NY Rangers. Joey also played golf from the age of 6, learning his love for the fairways from his dad. In addition, he loved the water and water sports, especially boating. He was fascinated by sharks and whales. Anyone who knew Joey knew that he had a passion for motorcycles; in fact, he had attended the Myrtle Beach Bike Week on several occasions. He especially enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie he shared with his fellow bikers. Another of Joey’s interests was electronics: he had an intuitive gift for disassembling and then reassembling any device or system. Joey is survived by his devoted and supportive parents, George and Francine Spinelli of Utica; and his sisters, Candace Spinelli and her fiancé, Don Martin of Deansboro, and Mary Catherine Spinelli-Preston and her husband, David, of Lake Placid. He was preceded in death by a sister, Pamela M. Spinelli, who passed away on March 7, 1987; and an infant brother, George Joseph Spinelli, who passed away on December 7, 1973. Joey is also survived by his companion, Jen Fitzgerald, for whom he cherished a special love and devotion; his best friend and childhood buddy, “Little Joe” DeTraglia; and longtime family friend, Mary “Mar” DePalma. Additional survivors include his aunts and uncles, Joseph and Arlene Rappa of Buffalo, Benny and Antoinette Rappa of Utica, and Tony and Pauline Spinelli of GA; a number of cousins; his special friend and mentor, Bruce Pleeter, who was both an influence and an inspiration; all his friends at Thunder Valley, as well as those he rode with. Throughout his life, Joey was blessed with many wonderful friends, especially acknowledging Mike Peters and family, Mark Barbato and family, and Joe Loiacono all who affectionately called him “Spinotz.” He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Candido and Catherine Spinelli; and his maternal grandmother, Mary Rappa. The family offers its heartfelt thanks to the officers of the UPD, the EMT’s, and the personnel of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the physicians and nurses of the ER, all of whom attended Joey and his family with every kindness and with deep compassion. Visitation will be held today (Friday) from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Please omit floral offerings. Joey’s funeral will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at the funeral home and at 2:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Joseph George "Joey" Spinelli

April 26, 1976 - July 11, 2006