"Mike and I both had Mr. Spennacchio during our high school years. It is a great testiment to the kind of person Mr. Spennacchio was that we remember him fondly after so many years. I can only hope that our grandchildren will remember their teachers with as much love as we have for Mr.S"
In loving memory of
Anthony Spennacchio
April 3, 1929 - August 5, 2013
Andy was born in the City of Rochester to Mary Savino Spennacchio on April 3, 1929 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday August 5, 2013. Andy was predeceased by his parents; mother-in-law, Dorothy Nilsen; brother, Mauro (Annette); and brother-in-law, Peter Nilsen. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sally Ann Spennacchio (Nilsen); children, Sam, Dorothy (Jeff) Wittman, Rose (John) Marcello, Catherine, Ann (Jim) Shubarg; 18 grandchildren 1 great-grandchild; sister, Ruth (Don) Palermo; brother, John (Judy) Spennacchio; sisters-in-law, Veronica Spennacchio Elizabeth Damm (Nilsen); and many nieces, nephews friends. Andy retired as Assistant Superintendent of Gates Chili Central School district in 1982, where he was also vice principal, math teacher basketball coach. Andy was a Rochester sports legend, having been inducted into many Rochester area Sports Halls of Fame, and was also a U.S. Army veteran. Andy was well loved by his students, fellow teachers, friends family. He will be missed.
Calling hours are 3-7 PM Friday August 9 at the Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 Long Pond Rd). Andy's Funeral Mass will be 9:30 AM on Saturday August 10 at St. Pius X Church, 3000 Chili Avenue, Chili, NY.
Anthony was a four-time All Scholastic at Madison High School in basketball, baseball, and football. He was only 1 of 2 pitchers who beat the great Johnny Antonelli in high school. Anthony turned down an offer to play baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1947 because he received a football scholarship from Michigan State to play quarterback.
After an injury at Michigan State, Anthony transferred to Brockport State College. While there, he lettered in baseball and basketball. He was MVP in basketball from 1951-1953 and captain of the team in 1953. Anthony also played soccer for 1 year and was All State Goalie. He then played 1 year for the Italian Americans Soccer Team.
Anthony had the opportunity to play major league fast pitch for the Rochester Radio team who went to the world tournament in Miami, FL. He also played ball for BonJons, a Rochester Major Fast Pitch league. Anthony played semi-pro basketball for the East Rochester Pauls, who represented NY state in the National Tournament in Arizona in 1952. He also had a tryout with the Rochester Royals basketball team in 1953. While in the Army, Anthony won two championships as quarterback for his service team at Fort Benning, Georgia.
After an amazing athletic career, Anthony went on to teach and coach basketball at Wayne Central High School. He then got a teaching job at Gates Chili High School and was the first high school basketball coach at Gates Chili. Anthony went on to be an assistant principal at Gates Chili and later in his career became an Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Gates Chili school district.
Anthony is in the Section V Hall of Fame, the Section V Basketball Hall of Fame, the Monroe County Hall of Fame, the Italian American Hall of Fame, and the Brockport State Hall of Fame.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Tributes
"Our Sincere Sympathy to all of the Spennacchio family. Evelyn Shepherd was secretary to Jim Annis for years working in the Ad Bulding and working also with Andy. She has many fond memories.. I, Nancy also worked at the Ad Bldg and graduated with John. Andy was a great influence to37 the students of Gates Chili, and will be greatly missed by all..."
"our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. We read the writeup in the newspaper and you where certainly blessed with such a wonderful person for a Dad. I'm sure he will be missed by all."
"To the family - Mr. Spennacchio was always a strong, silent, confident figure in the middle of a typical bustling high school. He was a wonderful teacher, coach and administrator and one I think all of the students looked up to(he probably wouldn't like that I ended that sentence in a preposition). I haven't seen him for thirty years or more and yet just had to write to express my condolences and respect. He was such a good, fair man. May you all find peace and comfort in your memories of him."
"Our thought and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.Hopefully,the impact that Andy had on all he came in contact with will give you some comfort. Maija & Jim McLean"
"DOT AND JEFF WITTMAN AND THE ENTIRE SPENNACHIO FAMILY.... YOUR FATHER WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. HE HAD STRONG BELIEFS AND VALUES. I KNEW HIM AS A STUDENT AND THEN AS A TEACHER AT GC. I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND PRAY HE IS PLAYING BASEBALL WITH MY DAD IN HEAVEN! WITH SINCERE SYMPATHY! MARY"
"Mr. Spennacchio was one of the best liked teachers and coaches at Gates-Chili high School. It was always obvious how much he genuinely liked and cared about the students and athletes. He was a great role model for all and an outstanding addition to the Gates-Chili staff. I will always remember him fondly."
"Sally J. Sallaway purchased flowers (Our Love Eternal Bouquet) Love from the Sallaways"
"My Sincere Condolences to the Spennocchio Family
I have great memories of my football years with Coach Spennocchio. He was a great teacher and coach. Without his guidance, I wouldn't have gotten through geometry"
"You were a bright light to so many generations of kids. God holds you and your family now in the palm of his hand. Thank you for all you meant to us."
"Back at GCH, on "injection" day we all had to march through the wrestling room to get our shots. After the first year when I fainted during the injections, Mr Spennacchio would come to homeroom and find out when I was scheduled... meet me there, catch me, and walk me back to class. Crazy thing to remember... but was a sophomore in college before I could handle needles without fainting. I still think of him when needles of any kind come my way! We all loved him."
"Elizabeth Damm purchased flowers (Cherished Friend Bouquet) Our love and prayers are with you today. The families of Elizabeth Damm (Zibby Nilsen), Kirsten Nilsen Ryan, Eric Nilsen, and Michael Nilsen."
"Dear John, Judy and families, We are so sorry to hear of Andy!s death. You are all in our thoughts and prayers! LOVE TO EVERYONE!"
"I am proud to say that he was a part of my high school life. (Class of 1962) He showed compassion and a genuine interest in you. He also had a good sense of humor. He's at peace."
"I am saddened to hear of Mr. Spennacchio passing on to the principles office in the sky. He was a great man and our prayers are with the family.
Col.(R)Philip Piccini and wife Kathie"
"Virginia Gibb purchased flowers (The Peace Lily) With deepest sympathy from all of us on the Strategic Sales team, United Pet Group."
"Dear Spennacchio Family, Mr. Spennacchio was a very comforting part of my high school experience. May he rest in peace. Know that he was a kind, good, gentle, honest man of character whose strength was a staple at Gates-Chili. Fondly, Barbara"
"I have wonderful memories of my Uncle Andy! I remember lots of laughs, lots of family, lots of food, and so much love in the Spennacchio home!"
"Additional Tribute Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kShHgXzlVcI"