White River Mourns Walter Spadoni
Walter Spadoni, April 23, 1920 – February 27th, 2015. Walter will be greatly missed not only by his family but by many friends in his hometown, White River. Submitted photo
Walter SPADONI passed away on Friday February 27th, 2015 at the Lady Dunn Health Centre, Wawa, ON. Walter happily lived alone at home in his beloved hometown of White River, Ontario until the day before he died.
He was born in White River, on April 23, 1920 to his Italian immigrant parents, the late Augusto Spadoni and Terzilla Renzoni. Almost 95 years old, Walter was known as the communities oldest living resident, and was commonly referred to as “Uncle” by so many friends. He will be remembered fondly for his attendance and support at almost every community function, and for the remarkable memory so many of us were consistently impressed with. He is preceded in death by his dear brother Renato “Reno” Spadoni, his sisters Elisa “Lizzie” Duffy, Violanta “Yola” Cebrario and Anita Crooks. Walter will be sadly missed by his loving sister Esther O’Connor, his caring sister-in-law, Carmela Spadoni, (wife of the late Renato “Reno” Spadoni), his many nieces and nephews, both great and great-great, along with many dear friends, both young and old. Walter’s life was shared as an immediate family member with his brother’s family, Reno, wife Carmela, daughters Rosanna (Peter Waudby-Smith), and Wilma (Vaughan Belisle). He enjoyed endless, entertaining, family celebrations and was cared and supported by Carmela, Wilma and Vaughan in his aging years.
Taking over the family business, he was the 2nd generation proprietor of Spadoni Brother’s Limited, White River, ON which is now in its 110th year, with third generation family operation. Walter served with the Canadian Forces during WWII and was a Life Member of both the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #169, White River and the Knights of Columbus No. 04975.
Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Basil’s Church, White River, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Friday March 20th, 2015. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday March 21st, 2015 at St. Basil’s Church at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in White River. His interment will take place in the spring at the Hillside Cemetery in White River, ON.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be to St. Basil’s Church, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #169, or White River Senior’s Harmony Club, White River, ON, P0M 3G0 or mailed to P.M. Gilmartin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 207, 140 Churchill Avenue, Wawa, ON P0S 1K0 (1-800-439-4937)
