Louis R. Spartano

Mr. Louis R. Spartano, age 90, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at the St. Luke's Home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 2, 1917, Louis was the son of the late Philip, Sr. and Rose (Conte) Spartano. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of World War II, Louis bravely served his country in the U. S. Army from 1940-1945 stationed with the First Infantry Division seeing action in North Africa, Sicily and in Europe. Among his many medals and commendations, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on D-Day in Normandy, France. On July 2, 1945 Louis married Mary Wright whom he met in England during the war. Louis and Mary were blessed with a loving, supportive, and dedicated marriage of 58 years until her passing on September 24, 2003. In his civilian career, Louis worked at Griffiss Air Force Base for 35 years, the position from which he retired. He was a man with an excellent work ethic, and his values defined the true meaning of ‘family man’. He enjoyed family gatherings with friends and relatives. From the time he was a young man, he had been a loyal Yankees fan. He was a parishioner of his family parish, St. Peter’s Church. Louis is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Kathy Spartano of GA, Peter and Corinne Spartano of Syracuse, Lou and Laurie Spartano of TN, and Christopher and Heidi Spartano of Selkirk, NY; his grandchildren, Stephen Spartano of RI, Christine and Joseph Sassenrath of IA, Nicole Spartano, and Danielle Spartano, both of Syracuse, Autumn Spartano of TX, Katrina Spartano of VA, and Joseph Spartano, and Julia Spartano, both of TN; and his 4 cherished great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his brother, Philip Spartano, Jr. of PA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and several cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jessie and Anthony DeRosa, Catherine R. and Arthur J. Mercier; his infant brother, Rocco Spartano; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank J. Spartano, and James J. and Jessie Spartano and Caroline Spartano; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tommy and Ernie Wright, and Hilda Westmoreland, and Eva Colley. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please make memorial donations in Louis’ honor directly to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Louis’ funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Peter's Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Committal services with Military Honors will follow with entombment in Calvary Mausoleum Chapel.

Louis R. Spartano

October 2, 1917 - May 7, 2008