Jack Spano

Wood River: Jack Spano, 85, passed away at 2:15am on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born on May 16, 1929, in Wood River the son of the late Louis and Maria (Viola) Spano. He married the former Mary Tolle – Biro on April 24, 1982, in Alton and she survives. Other survivors include six daughters and their spouses: Mari and Steven Wade of Alton, Patricia and John Sheets of Kansas, Stephani and John Dixon of Collinsville, Jeri and Jim Hampsey of Alton, Debbie and Mike Zarantonello of Dow, Staci and Bryan Grieve of Bethalto, five sons: Joseph Biro and his companion Barb Ullery of Bethalto, Tony Biro and his wife: Linda of Godfrey, Gary Spano of Godfrey, Andi Biro and his companion: Gina Elliott of Ellisville, Missouri, and Rick Biro of Wood River, twenty four grandchildren, and thirty one great grandchildren. He was employed as an engineer for Norfolk Southern Railroad prior to his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the Midwest Airwing in Pontoon Beach. His passion was flying radio controlled planes. He loved motorcycles and enjoyed racing them. He was a member of the Alton Eagles Aerie #254 and the Wood River Moose Lodge #1349. He was of the Catholic Faith. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. In addition to his parents who formerly owned and operated Spano’s Grocery Store in Little Italy, he was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 2pm at the funeral home. Pastor Martin Schultz will officiate. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Private inurnment will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to BJC Hospice or to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Riverbend.