Michael J. Spano

Michelangelo Joseph Spano, known affectionately by his loved ones as Michael, Mike, Dad, Pop-Pop, Pop and Uncle Mike passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024 at the age of 86 in his hometown of Staten Island, NY. Born on December 5th, 1937, to Joseph and Louise Spano in Brooklyn, NY, Michael was a resident of Staten Island for over 48 years. He is predeceased by his siblings Vincent, Maria and Joseph. Michael attended Seminary High School in Massachusetts, an experience that formed his deep religious beliefs and faith that he carried with him throughout his entire life. Upon Graduation from High School Michael joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served from 1955 – 1959. Mike often spoke about some his fondest memories of his time in the service in France where he worked on Radar for the US Military. Mike received his honorable discharge in 1959 and returned home to Brooklyn, NY. A dedicated and hard-working man, Michael held positions at Western Union, where he worked on Teletype machines, Metropolitan Life Insurance and Noonan Astley and pierce, where he was an executive for over 25 Years until his retirement. In the mid 1970’s Michael was instrumental in working with the Staten Island Community Board in closing the controversial Willowbrook State School, an accomplishment he was very proud of. After his service in the military was completed, Michael returned home to Brooklyn where he almost immediately fell in love with the girl across the street, Rosemary. Michael and Rosemary were engaged on February 14th, 1963, and were married on July 6th, 1963. They would spend the next 61 years married until his passing. In 1964 Michael and Rosemary had their first child Michael followed by Paul, Christopher and Matthew. The Spano Family was always referred to as “Ro, Mike and the Boys”. Michael was blessed with his daughters-in-law, Debbie, Phyllis, Valerie and Jaclyn, his grandchildren Michelle, Michael, Paul, Nicholas, Dominick, Samantha, Matthew and Christopher. He then received an amazing gift in his last year with the birth of his Great Granddaughter Valentina. Some of Michael’s greatest joys also came from spending time with his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends at family gatherings and trips. Michael was recognized by all who knew him as a wickedly intelligent, hardworking, respected man that was quietly proud of his beloved Family. In lieu of flowers, Donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Little Sisters of the poor in Michael’s name would be greatly appreciated. The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at the John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd. (at Eltingville Station), Staten Island, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Holy Child Church located at 4747 Amboy Rd Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY.

Michael J. Spano

December 5, 1937 - August 2, 2024