RAFFAELE “RALPH” SPINA
January 20, 1929 - June 24, 2016
Mr. Raffaele Spina, age 87 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 24, 2016 in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with his loving family by his side.
He was born on January 20, 1929 in Larino, Provincia di Campobasso, Italy. He was the second born child of six to Giuseppe and Rosa Spina. Ralph came to Canada in 1955 and married the love of his life, Rosa Ricci in 1958. He became a permanent resident of Westfort where they raised their family. Dad loved and treasured his family immensely. He was very proud of his daughters Carmela and Maria.
Raffaele loved the outdoors. He was passionate about fishing, hunting and gardening. Dad also carried on the Italian traditions of making homemade tomato sauce, wine and cured meats. Ralph enjoyed having company, sharing the fruits of his labour and talents with others. When not outdoors, Dad enjoyed watching his favourite game shows, hockey, soccer and Italian programs.
Raffaele had a very strong work ethic. He had various temporary employments on the railroad, construction and at Ogilvie Flour Mill. Ralph retired from Hawker Siddley/Can Car/Bombardier after more than 30 years of service. Dad was a member of the DaVinci Italian Principe di Piemonte, CAW/Unifor Local 1075 and St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church.
Raffaele is survived by his loving daughters, Carmela and Maria Spina. He is also survived by his siblings Michele (Giuseppina) Spina, Antonia Gallo, Pietro (Teresa) Spina, Maria (Pardo) DiBiase (Italy), brother-in-law Pietro (Modestina) Ricci, sister-in-law Maria Concetta (Michele) Turco, numerous nieces and nephews and many other relatives in Canada, Italy and the USA.
Raffaele was predeceased by his devoted and loving wife Rosa Spina (nee Ricci), his parents Giuseppe and Rosa Spina, father-in-law and mother-in-law Giuseppe and Carmela Ricci, brother Vittorio Spina, brothers-in-law Nicola Gallo and Francesco Ricci and sister-in-law Rosa Ricci (in infancy).
Funeral Services for the late Mr. Raffaele Spina will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 12:10 pm in St. Agnes R. C. Church, celebrated by Fr. Jerin Louis. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held in St. Agnes Church on Wednesday, June 29 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00 pm.
Arrangements are in care of the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore St. at James. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund.
WE LOVE YOU FOREVER DAD, WE WILL MISS YOUR SMILE
CON GRANDE AMORE TI RICORDIAMO SEMPRE PAPA
