Joe Frank Spano

SPANO, Joe Frank 93, a longtime resident of Tampa, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born February 2, 1923 in Tampa from Sicilian immigrates. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years Reatha Mae (Rita) (Reynolds) Spano. Joe is survived by his children Rita Schaefer (Patrick), Elizabeth Yacoback, Frank Spano (Debbie), Edward Spano (Ana), Maggie Spano, Robert Spano and Joseph Spano (Ivis) and 17 grandchildren with numerous cousins from the families of Mirabella, Rodante, Marino, Scionti, Messina and Carastro.

As a Tampa native, Joe graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1941, then enlisted into the US Army Air Corp serving as a fighter pilot during World War II till he was Honorably Discharged in 1949. Joe then joined the Tampa Police Department for 5 years then changed careers to Martin Outdoor Advertising as an electrician and sales rep for 50 years. During that time he was active at Christ the King Catholic Church also with the Boys Scouts (troop leader & committee member), Past Grand Knight & 4th degree of K of C, Kiwanis (Past President) and Hillsborough County Sign Appeals Board (16 years).

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Melech Hospice House or Alzheimer Association in his name.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20th at Gonzalez Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 21st at Gonzalez Funeral Home followed by interment at Garden of Memories in Tampa.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33614, www.gonzalezfuneral.com, 813-931-1833.