"Dear Family, I knew Steve from grade school. He's the only classmate I recall since we shared the same birthday. I've always wondered what Steve was up to. I just now tried to contact him only to learn of his untimely death."
In loving memory of
Steven Spatola
February 22, 1955 - October 7, 2011
Mt. Horeb - Steven D. Spatola, age 56, passed away while at his home on Friday, October 7, 2011.
Steven was born on February 22, 1955 in Madison, the son of Daniel and Betty (Troxel).
Steven worked for Sentry Foods, Wingra Block and Stone and Swift Trucking. He enjoyed firefighting, hunting and fishing and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his two sons, Andrew (Sara) and Anthony Spatola; his granddaughters, Mady and Lydia (Layla on the way); a god daughter, Emily; two brothers, Tom (Mary) and John (Lisa); a sister, Deb (Dave) Robaidek; several nieces and nephews; his good friends, Hannie and Angie and many friends from the Koptic church.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family for assistance with the final expenses. The family greatly appreciates your help.
Graveside services will take place at West Bristol Township Cemetery in Sun Prairie on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 1:30 PM.
Tributes
"Sorrow fills our hearts this sad moment, a sorrow that is deep and personal. Steve Spatola has silently closed the door of life and departed from us, as God has called him home. Our lives will be empty in the areas that he had brightened for us. Albert Einstein said, ??The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.? In one word Steve was a man who gave. He gave much to those people around him, weather it was giving them a ride, taking care of their pets, being a companion, talking, listening, giving a hug when needed and shedding tears with those who were hurting. That is why as we are gathered here to say good bye to him, I would like to speak in celebration of his life. Here was a life that burned so that others paths were lit. I have known Steve since I first arrived in America 8 years ago. It was Christmas time and Angie??s dad asked me to ride with him to pick up a friend to celebrate the holidays with us, he is like one of the family, Angie??s dad said. I felt close to Steve right away. We talked and spent a lot of time together the first time we met. A short time later Steve came to the house and asked me to go ice fishing with him. WOW, I was never so scared and knew I would never do that again!! Steve said he wanted to see my church and started asking questions about being Coptic. He started attending church with me and we shared the expense of the gas. He spoke with Abouna Rewis Awadalla, he bought his bible, Agybia and the book of the Mass from the church. He was so happy when we would go. He loved being around the children and talking with everyone. Steve was very excited on the day he was baptized Coptic, but that was nothing compared to how he was when he became a deacon. He was proud, he told everyone, and his face would shine when he spoke about God. Steve loved God and he felt that being a Coptic was what he was meant to be. He was fulfilled. Steve bought all kinds of books on Egypt and was thrilled when we all traveled there. He wanted to be around my family all the time, but we put him in a hotel for his privacy. He didn??t like that much so he was only there at night to sleep, when he would wake he would call and want to come to the house. He loved sitting with my mom and making her laugh and enjoyed being around my nieces and nephews. He even brought presents for them before he ever knew them. Steve wanted to live, die and be buried in Egypt. When my mom died Steve came and spent 3 days with me. He shared my pain and tears. Steve was living proof of how fine a person can be. He was a loving and devoted father to his children. He was also a good friend to many of us. The character of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words; he was sincere, he was earnest and he was loyal. The Steve I remember was a happy Steve, one who not only was cheerful in himself but who gave much cheerfulness to others. He had a beautiful smile, a sense of humor and a gentle demeanor. He had a big heart. By his death all the people who knew him will miss a vibrant individual with a rare friendliness and charm of personality. Steve was a genuinely warm and wonderful man we will miss greatly. Our sorrow is lessened only slightly with the comforting thought that we had the privilege of knowing him and knowing that one day we will see him again in our Fathers Kingdom. Goodbye for now my friend, my brother. We love you. "
"Steve - I'm glad that we were able to visit at the Troxel reunion. Even though you will be missed here on Earth, we take solace in knowing that you have joined your Mom and Dad in Heaven. Until we meet again -Kerry and Mary Larsen"
"STEVE-i will always remember you as my son-in law,and the fun we used to have at the kids birthdays and christmas when they were little and the santa claus visits.may your pain be over and rest in peace."
"Steve it had been years since I last saw you, but had a wonderful time speaking with you. I had forgotten how great your humor was. You will be missed. Sue"
"Steve, you were an amazing guy. I first met you in Dodgeville nursing home when you were recovering after your stroke. It was wonderful to reconnect with you in Mt. Horeb, active at the senior center. You were so excited about moving to Monona but realize it was not meant to be....I will keep you in my prayers and I know you are surrounded with God's healing love and light. "
"Steve, we had such a great time talking with you at the reunion, Sue was so happy to see and visit with you. We haven't seen you a lot since your parents passed and was glad you were at your uncle Don's last year also. A happy smile and pleasant time was great. will miss you, Aunt Norma"
"Oh Steve, I don't even know where to start. I will miss so much-the ganging up on Andy was probably one of my favorite memories. Your unshakable love for your family will never be forgotten. We will remind Lydia all the time about the HUGE sparkle in your eye when you spent time with her. You were a wonderful father-in-law and grandpa...I love you and may you rest in internal peace. "