William P. "Bill" Spaniola's Obituary
Mr. William P. “Bill” Spaniola, age 82, passed away early Friday morning, November 21, 2003 at his home. He was born June 25, 1921 in Muskegon, MI to Andrew and Theresa (Bonofiglo) Spaniola and lived in the area his entire life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the chemical warfare services during World War II. On November 4, 1950, he married the former Veronica B. Cordo in Muskegon. He attended Muskegon Community College, Northwestern University and received his law degree from the University of Michigan School of Law. Mr. Spaniola was a well-known attorney in the Muskegon area. His career began with the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office and has continued for over 50 years. During his years of practice, he was associated with Harold H. Smedley, Ray J. Engle, John Piercey, and later was a partner with the law firm of White, Spaniola, Knudsen & Stariha, PC. He was semi-retired at the time of his death and was Of Counsel for the law firm of Potuznik, Carrozza, Wilson, Fisher & Pannucci, PC. In the 1950’s, Mr. Spaniola brought a case before the U.S. Supreme Court involving tax law and won this case which has remained a hallmark achievement during his career. He was an active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where he served as an usher, lector, commentator, and provided many years of legal advice. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 706 and the Catholic War Veterans. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Muskegon Country Club. He was a member of the State of Michigan Bar Association and was past president of the Muskegon Bar Association. SURVIVORS include his wife of 53 years, Veronica; 2 sons, Bill (Barb) Spaniola and Mark Spaniola of Muskegon; 5 grandchildren, Levi (Emily) Spaniola of Muskegon, Corey (Brandi) Spaniola of Coloma, MI, Lance Spaniola of Muskegon, Jason Luttrell of Seattle, WA, Jessie Emdin of West Olive, MI; 3 great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Kayleigh, and Kaleb Spaniola; 1 sister, Dorothy (Dewey) Younts of Cape Coral, FL; 3 sisters-in-law, Margaret Cordo, Betty Cordo, and Angie (Louis) Smith, all of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 1 special cousin, Paul Spaniola. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2003 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Michael P. Olson presiding. ENTOMBMENT will take place at St. Mary’s Mausoleum. VISITATION with Mr. Spaniola’s family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Monday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565. A Scripture Service will be held at 5:30 PM Monday evening at the funeral home. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to the American Cancer Society or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Building Fund.
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