William Spagnolo

He was born on July 18, 1936 in Marquette to the late Nickolas and Aurelia (Chiri) Spagnolo. Bill was a long time radio personality and sports promoter on the Marquette scene, most notably known for his radio talk show, “Bill Spagnolo’s Speaking of Sports.” He was partly responsible for bringing the late famed boxer, Muhammed Ali to Marquette. During his lifetime, Bill successfully represented several life insurance companies and was also a grant writer.

He is survived by four children, Mark (Graciele) Spagnolo of Jacksonville, FL, John Spagnolo of Marquette, Mary (Vaughn) Spagnolo-Paul of Jacksonville, FL, and Whitney Spagnolo; four grandchildren, Myhoa, Jordan, Jacob, and Joshua; two great grandchildren, Gabriella and Max; one brother, Jim “Jumbo” (Judy) Spagnolo of Sparta, TN; his former wife, Sandra VanDyke of Richland, MI: also several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents were two brothers, Lawrence and David.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 21st from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home where a parish prayer service will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Visitation will also take place on Wednesday, May 22nd from 10-11 a.m. in the Bishop’s Room of St. Peter Cathedral. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the cathedral at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Burial will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Father Marquette Schools, 500 S. Fourth St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Spagnolo’s memory.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.