Charles Carl Spinosa

Born Dec. 13, 1915, he passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2007, in Baton Rougeat age 91. He was the father of Kathryn Spinosa Salzer and Charles Spinosa Jr., grandfather of Al Salzer, Karyn Placek, Sharyn Salzer, Lynda Carbo, Charles Salzer, Todd Spinosa and Bryan Spinosa, great-grandfather of Adam Lackie, Melissa Theis, Jonathan and Shelby Carbo, Michael, Christopher and Cole Placek, and Nicholas Salzer, great-great-grandfather of Kaitlyn Theis, and father-in-law of Albert Salzer and Susan Spinosa. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Katherine Spinosa; brothers, Joseph and Lucas Spinosa; and sister, Christine Musso. From 1934 to 1964, he was married to the late Hazel Browning Spinosa, who was the mother of Charles Jr. and Kathryn. He was formerly married to Mary Norwood Spinosa for 28 years and had been the beloved companion of Opal Aycock since 1995. Mr. Spinosa worked at Standard Oil Co. for seven years. He purchased Sam's Seafood on Florida Boulevard in 1946. In 1949, he along with his brother, Joseph Spinosa, opened Spinosa's Restaurant on Florida Boulevard next to Miller Buick. Charles and Joseph also opened Baton Rouge's first supper club, in 1960. He was assistant manager of the City Club for two years, assistant manager of Ramada Inn on Airline Highway, manager of Fairwood Country Club for four years, assistant manager of Shenandoah Country Club for one year and assistant manager of Sherwood Country Club for one year. He also managed Ace Appliances on Perkins Road for two years. Mr. Spinosa was a member ofFirstUnitedMethodistChurch, Denham Springs, and joined St. James Masonic Lodge 47, F&AM, in 1946, Eastgate Masonic Lodge 445 in 1980 and Denham Springs Masonic Lodge 297 in 1981. He served as Master of Eastgate Lodge in 1981, was an honorary past master of the Denham Springs Lodge, president of Baton Rouge Shrine Club in 1971 and 1982, and was the first monarch for Al Azar Grotto. He was a member of theAcaciaShrineTempleand Baton Rouge Consistory. He served as worthy patron of the Mystic Star Chapter 108 of Order of the Eastern Star in 1971. He was past president of the Denham Dancers, Tiger Twirlers and the Grand Squares. He will be missed by his children, grandchildren, companion, and all of his many friends over the years, but will be busy making more friends in heaven, where we know he'll live happily ever after. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Thursday, April 26, was from 5 p.m.to 8:30 p.m., with a Masonic service at 7 p.m.Visiting resumes at the funeral home chapel on Friday from 10 a.m.until religious service at noon, conducted by the Rev. Wybra Price. Entombment inGreenoaksMemorial ParkMausoleum.