Shirley Marie Spadafore

Shirley passed away with her loving family by her side on September 19th. Born March 8, 1933 in Stockton California to the late Armando and Lena Dell'Aringa. She is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 64 years George, her brother Robert and cherished baby sister Barbara (Jenny) and nephew Michael (Mikey). Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, noni, sister, zia and friend.

Being the daughter and granddaughter of Italian immigrants she learned early on there was no other way to live but to speak, cook, and love the Italian Way "IL-Modo Italiano" Everyone knew no matter what time of day, if you stopped by the house a pot of coffee was on and you were going to be greeted with food, a hug and warm place to sit and relax. Shirley was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed nothing more than teaching her grandsons Ryan, Gino and Dominic the art of making the perfect pizzelle or cioppino, one of her last lessons was saved for teaching her great-grandson Giovanni the technique of perfect biscotti dough (try that with a 3 year old), they came out beautiful. Shirley loved spending time reminiscing about her early childhood at the ranch and especially when her uncles Albert or Rocco would stop by for that cup of coffee. In later years it would be her baby brother Richard as she referred to him and his wife Yvonne because they spoke fluent Italian and it just felt like home, of course except for the surprise visits from her late aunt Gina, cousins Jen and Angie.

After graduating from St. Mary's high school in 1951 she worked for a real estate company in downtown Stockton until she met her husband George and became a wife and mother. Shirley and George shared their love of all things sports from youth to professional athletics (especially watching their son and grandsons), gardening, food and going to Santa Cruz and Monterey. She also worked 30 years for Dr. Fisher and Dr. John.

Shirley is survived by her children Tom Spadafore (Marci), Lori Freitas (Al), grandsons Ryan Grayson (Mekayla), Gino and Dominic Spadafore, great-grandsons Giovanni and Brody Grayson, brother Richard Dell'Aringa (Yvonne), nephews James Freitas (Cindy), Silvio Dell'Aringa, niece Marisa Dell'Aringa.

DeYoung Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Spadafore family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 1pm at Cathedral of the Annunciation - 400 W Rose St, Stockton, CA 95203. The Committal services are private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Special Olympics or a Children’s Charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.deyoungmemorialchapel.com for the Spadafore family.