Nick A. Spina

Mr. Nick A. Spina, age 80, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on December 4, 1927, Nick was the son of the late Anthony and Jennie (Guarino) Spina. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of World War II, he served his country in the U.S. Army. On September 29, 1956 he married the former Alice H. Sayles; the couple shared a very loving and devoted union. A meat cutter by trade, Nick was, at one time, under the employ of Acme Markets as a department manager, and he lastly worked at Great American Supermarkets. A very caring husband, he truly enjoyed his relationship with his wife of 52 years. He held an unyielding love for his family, as they were the most important part of his life, and his greatest joy was being in their company. Nick took pride in cooking for his family, and he also pursued gardening and woodworking during his spare time. He was a generous man who freely shared whenever someone was in need of advice or help of any kind. He was a member and advocate of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, and he was an avid and lifelong Yankees fan. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Nick is survived by his wife, Alice; his daughter, Jennifer A. Spina of Rochester; his sons and daughters-in-law, Tony and Ginece Spina of Nazareth, PA, Richard S., Sr. and Diane Spina of Utica, and Nick A. (USAF) and Patty Spina of Beale Air Force Base, CA; his grandchildren, Natalie E. Spina, Andrew J. Spina, Richard S., Jr. and Andrea Spina, Kymberly M. Spina, Caitlyn Spina, and Nicholas A. Spina III; and his great-grandchildren, Marissa R. Spina, and Alyssa M. Spina. Survivors also include his sister and brother-in-law, Frances C. and Rudolph T. DeTore of Utica; his in-laws, Thomas and Barbara Sayles, and Mary Ellen Amarose, all of Utica, Sally and Terry Fike of Rome, NY, and Katherine and Albert Evans of Utica; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph M. and Josephine Spina. The family is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their excellent care and compassion. In keeping with the family’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Nick’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated with military honors on Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Nick A. Spina

December 4, 1927 - November 26, 2008