Captain Gregory Francis Spinelli

A place to remember our peers who have completed their last voyage on this earth. Finish With Engines.
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JK
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Captain Gregory Francis Spinelli

Post by JK »

McColl-Frotenac is commonly known as Red Indian here in Canada and looking at its ship list mainly worked in the Toronto area.

Died peacefully at home March 12, 2019, at age 90. He was the last remaining of seven siblings and the son of Italian immigrants Giovanni and Carmella (Giannetti). Born in Cornwall, Ont., on August 5, 1928 he began a career at 16 years of age with McColl-Frontenac (later Texaco Canada) that would see him quickly rise to Captain. He was Master aboard the Texaco Chief and then the Texaco Brave oil tankers and retired at 53 years of age, after 38 years of service. His often expressed wish was to enjoy an equal number of years receiving both salary and pension. He was one year short of his goal. Greg was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Sheila Gertrude (Pitcher). He is survived by his children, Mary, John and Theresa MacDonald (Mark); and his grandchildren, Ryan Gregory MacDonald, Christiaan MacDonald, his namesake-Gregory Spinelli, Lauren Spinelli; and his dear friend and brother-in-law, Hugh Kyte. An avid coin and stamp collector, Greg was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association as well as the Halifax Coin Club. His other affiliations included The Master Mariners and the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association. He loved to travel and roamed extensively across Europe, Asia and North America. He was a New York Yankees fan from childhood and a Chicago Blackhawks supporter as well. He enjoyed Country music but will always be remembered for his love of Bluegrass. He was a regular for many years at his early morning Timmy's coffee group and could be counted on to relate the scores of various sporting events. Visitations will be held Friday, March 22nd between 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Dartmouth. His funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Irek Bem, SDS on Saturday, March 23rd at 10 a.m., also in Saint Vincent de Paul Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Online condolences may be made by visiting: http://www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel)
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