Lawrence O. "Larry" Spataro's Obituary
Lawrence O. “Larry” Spataro, age 59, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Trinity Health – Muskegon Campus, after a sixth month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born July 15, 1964, in Monroe, MI to Carlo V. Spataro and Martha J. Bottomley and lived in the Muskegon area his entire his life. An avid reader and life-long comic book enthusiast, Larry graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 1982 and earned his bachelor’s degree from the James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1986. He was a proud Baritone Horn player in the Spartan Marching Band and marched with the Alumni Band for over 30 years. He was employed at the County of Muskegon where he worked for over 32 years, 27 of which as a Recipients Rights Officer for HealthWest. A true servant leader, Larry dedicated his life to advocating for those who could not advocate for themselves. He was also passionate about his hometown and served for 16 years as a Commissioner for the City of Muskegon. Recently he served on the City of Muskegon Planning Commission. He was past president of the Nelson Neighborhood Association and served as Chair of the City of Muskegon Neighborhoods’ Association. Larry was a longtime and devoted member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church where he served as a Lector.
Survivors include his mother, Martha J. Bottomley; his father, Carlo V. Spataro; his sisters, Carla (Vincent Martinez) Spataro, Angela (Kevin) Cook; his nephews, Thomas and James Cook; and his stepsister, Heather D. (Matt) Courson. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 2, 2023, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1716 Sixth Street, Muskegon, MI 49441, with Rev. Fr. Steven W. Geerling presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Spartan Marching Band https://www.spartanmarchingband.com/giving, The Nelson Neighborhood Association https://www.nelsonneighborhood.org/tax-free-donations, or St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Memorial Fund https://osvhub.com/saintmichaelsmuskegon/giving/funds. Arrangements handled by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI 49441. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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