Antonio J "TJ" Spataro

A memorial service celebrating the life of Antonio Joseph Spataro will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Pastor Bryan Reed will officiate.

Antonio Joseph Spataro (“T.J.”), age 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana. T.J. was born on February 4, 1929, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Cheatum (“D-Daddy”) and Amelia (“Moo-Momma”) Spataro.

T.J. was a proud graduate of Bossier High School, where he served as a cheerleader. When asked about being a cheerleader, he always laughed and said he had more fun than the football team.

T.J. lived a life rooted in hard work, family, and the outdoors. He was co-owner of the Kickapoo Restaurant, where he spent many years serving his community—sharing stories, laughter, and great meals with everyone who walked through the door. For many, the restaurant was more than a business; it was a gathering place made special by his welcoming spirit.

Outside of work, T.J. found his greatest joy in nature. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved early mornings on the water, time spent in the woods, and passing down stories and traditions to those he loved. He took great pride in teaching his children the fundamentals of the outdoors.

T.J. coached his girls’ softball team for over twenty years and led them to a city championship. His motto was, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”

T.J. was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Louise Spataro; daughter, Cindy Spataro; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Spataro.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Debbie, Rickey, and Brandi Spataro, and Donna S. Morrill (Rob); his grandchildren: Nikki Bradberry (Ryan), Ryan Whitlock (Brittany), Taylor Barnes (Chris), and Brandon Laliberte; and his great-grandchildren: Adelynne, Ainsley, and Bennett Bradberry; Shelby, Kaylee, and Chloe Whitlock; and Braelyn and Beaux Barnes.

Pallbearers are Jim Viola, Taylor Barnes, Tommy Hancock, Tommy Maddox, Ryan Whitlock, and Brandon Laliberte.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mary Stinson, caregiver, and the Pilgrim Manor Physical Therapy Department (“Dad’s girls”).