"To the spinelli family. I just found out that Georgie passed away. He was my neighbor growing up in Indiana Pa. The Spinelli family was the best neighbor you could ask for. They were truly a wonderful family. Georgie was a fun loving good person. He will be missed. In my thoughts and prayers Regina Pendrey Leesburg Va"
In loving memory of
George L. Spinelli
George, 70, passed away in Glendale, Arizona on January 10, 2017. He was born to George and Ruth Spinelli in Bolivar, Pennsylvania. George graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor degree in Art and Mathematics, he was a brother of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He was then awarded a Masters Degree in Teaching Secondary Education (Mathematics) by the University of Pittsburgh. George went on to work for the FBI as a Special Agent for 22 years where he was in charge of a task force targeting the Colombian Drug Cartel, and conducting one of the FBI's most significant money laundering investigations. Upon retiring George was founder and owner of Spinelli Corp., an Arizona company conducting litigation support on a national level for law firms, corporations, and individuals. For the past 5 years, George worked for Merchant Solutions International/Direct Connect America. George was a genuinely good man with a loving and caring nature. A devoted friend to everyone he knew, George put his family and friends first, and will be dearly missed by all of them. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gregory, and daughter-in-law Jennifer Spinelli. He is survived by his best friend and life partner Carla Wicks of Glendale, AZ; sister Dotsy (Vince) Gigliotti of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Jennifer (Luis) Fabregas; son Jeff Spinelli; grandchildren Daniel and Maria Fabregas, Justine, Julie, and Jocelyn Spinelli, of Natrona Heights, PA. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 20, 2017 at St. Luke's Catholic Church located at 19644 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027.
In lieu of flowers, Contributions can be made in the name of George Spinelli to: Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School, 800 Montana Ave., Natrona Heights, PA 15605.
Tributes
"I have a painting by Mr George done in February 1970. If old stone bridge little yellow Creek in Indiana County in Indiana Pennsylvania Mallory bridge I am trying to reach out to the Spinelli family to see if they are interested in having this portrait it was hand-painted by Mr. George my phone number is 937-360-9709 my name is Ruby please have someone in Mr. George?s family reach out to me I am truly sorry for your loss"
"I worked for George in Scottsdale and thought he was such a nice, and hard working guy. I just happened to look him up to call and say hello but then read of his death. My condolences to his family. I always thought about my time in the office and the exciting work he did. My condolences, kindest regards."
"Dear Carla and Family I met George years ago in Chicago when he worked for the FBI we shared many great times he even taught me how to golf ! He was a great man and truly a great friend..he will be missed by all who knew and loved him! God speed George...watch out over us all!"
"One of my best neighbors, friend, and companion. We went to the Verde River once, Geo. turned on the siren, made it home in no time. Miss you friend. Oh, I witnessed his hole in one."
"So heartbreaking Carla! Our love & prayers are with you and George's family."
"George was an amazing person, who was always on the sidelines cheering for Carla in all of our 115 degree+ tennis matches. She will miss him dearly, but he will remain in her heart forever. George, may you rest in peace, and keep an eye on us all. Love you, Christine"
"George: When Scott and I met you and Carla for the first time I knew we were all going to have an amazing and close connection to each other. This journey throughout the years has taken us to the Colorado River for endless duck hunts and several Thanksgivings that were amazing as well. Words can't even describe how endearing you are to Scott and I. I can honestly say I have had some of the best times of my life with you! You will be sorely missed George. We love you buddy. Always and forever Scott and Nikki Murray"
"Only met him a couple of times but you seem like a truly wonderful man so sorry for Car Lot and his family"
"Carla and family, I'm so sorry. I feel privileged to have a few wonderful memories.. you both made our trip so special and memorable. I know he is missed."
"Our prayers and thoughts will be there for George as well as the people that was in George's life who cared for him and loved him so. What a Gentleman ! God Bless you all , Mike and Tina"
"George, I will never forget you. You've been a part of our family for nearly a decade and our Christmases together were wonderful fun. I remember the first time we met in El Paso for golf and a concert. Golf in Juarez will always be a special memory. What great fun we had. My family and I have always considered you one of us, our brother and it will remain so. You will be sorely missed and your name and our memories together will continue to be spoken as long as even one of us remains. We will all be together as we gather for our final farewell and hope you leave a trail for us to follow. I love you, George"
"Just learned of George's passing on the Society of Former FBI Special Agent's weekly email newsletter. I was an SA assigned to the Chicago office back in the middle to late 70's and worked on the same squad as George. For awhile our desks were next to each other and we were friends. Although not involved in his money laundering investigation, I remember many time George sharing ideas about that investigation with me. He was a great guy and I am saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."
"My condolences to George's family, Carla and everyone else. George was like having another brother to me, not a brother-in-law. Even though I didn't get to see him much after he relocated to AZ I have a lot of good memories of being with him. Went golfing with George countless times including going to the Western Open several times and the US Open when it was at Medina. Getting together for the Holidays, other occasions and just visiting. Shooting pool and having some beers at my house. All three of my sons said the same thing, George was a genuinely good guy and they liked him a lot. There's not enough people around like him and now there's one less."
"We had the pleasure of meeting George through Carla. He has one of the most genuinely loving & caring spirits we have ever met. He always had that beautiful smile that warmed your heart & made you smile as well. What a pleasure to know him. Dang, I only wish I had ask him more FBI & Carla stories. Betsy & Craig"
"My condolences to the Spinelli family. As a new FBI agent, I was fortunate to be able to work with George on one of the many undercover cases he led. He was a very creative agent and, despite any obstacle, he always found a way to get the mission accomplished. Great Agent and a great person."
"Dotsy, so sorry to hear of George's passing! He, you and Vince and the family are in our prayers! Love cousin Ted Spinelli and family"
"Dotsy & Vince--sending sincere sympathy to you, his family and all who knew him. Rest In Peace. So sorry to read this. Love to all. ? Sue Welteroth Bankosky"
"My deepest sympathies to your family. Had learned about his work with the FBI but he obviously did so much more and lived a full and rich life. Prayers are with you all."
"My prayers are with George's entire family, Rest in peace George!"
"I cannot believe you're gone. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with you, but so enjoyed what time we had. I will miss you and the opportunity to get to know you even better."
"Dotsy, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am that George is gone. We all know he is in a better place. Just think he's with Grandma and Grandpa and your parents and Greg and all our aunts and uncles. Hard to believe they are all gone but mom and aunt Polly. We love you and Vinnie. Please keep in touch."
"George and I connected once or twice every year. He was cheerful in all seasons. A few years ago he told me that he often walked in the desert. He said that he was looking for a small sheath knife to accompany him on his walks. I responded by sending him one of my favorite small sheath knives. He reciprocated by sending me a razor sharp, custom made bowie knife that has a carved antler handle (of a wolf's head) in a well made, fringed leather sheath. It is proudly displayed in my office. That was our George. He reminded me a lot of his Dad. I shall miss him. All of the best to Dotsy, Vince et al. Mike McCormick"
"Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences."
"George, you will be forever in our hearts and thoughts. We were blessed that we got to know you and fell in love with your personality, wit and good nature. The world lost a great man...thanks for letting us be a small part in your big life. With much love, Dagny and Kevin Wilson."
"Our sympathy to your family,he was a wonderful ,kind man!"
"Bless you dear George. Your personality shined. We shall all see you again some day. Blessings to his loved ones he left behind. Blessings and prayers to his wonderful life partner, Carla."