Bill Spognardi

Bill Spognardi, 91, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away at Crystal Care of Mansfield on Saturday, December 26, 2020, following a long and fruitful life. His loving wife of 62 years, the former Rose Marie Scheiber, passed away May 28, 2012.

Bill was born on November 15, 1929 in Mansfield to Pasquale and Lucia Spognardi. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran and served in Guam towards the end of World War II. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bill was hired by the City of Mansfield Police Department as a patrolman and proudly served his community for 32 years, retiring as Major of the Detective Bureau. He graduated from the FBI Academy in Louisville, KY, also completing and graduating from the Executive Officer Training, at the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion and VFW. After retirement, Bill worked one year as a patrolman on the beautiful island of Sanibel, Florida under former Police Chief of the City of Mansfield and friend, John Butler. After he returned to Ohio, he attained a license in polygraphy, and provided the service under a home-based business, Investigative Services.

Most important, after retirement Grandpa Bill was able to enjoy his grandchildren and help with their care wherever he saw the need. He loved them so much and tried to help wherever he saw the need. Always striving to be the best Person, best Son, best Brother, best Dad, best Husband, best Grandpa, best Great-Grandpa and best Friend of so many….and best Caregiver to his beloved wife Rose as she fought a courageous battle with multiple myeloma in the last two years of her life. He will forever be "our family hero". Bill also enjoyed reading, as well as drawing, painting, maintaining his yard, planting beautiful flowers, listening to music and dancing with his wife Rose. He truly loved life and was known for his tremendous sense of humor.

Mr. Spognardi is survived by three children, daughter, Linda (David) Spognardi-Rhodes of Hubbard, OH and sons, Michael (Donna) Spognardi of Grand Island, FL and William Spognardi, Jr. of Mansfield; daughters by choice, Dawn Look of Steamboat, CO and Becky Owens of Nashville, TN; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sarah (Attila) Rhodes-Ondi and son Gabriel William of Sebastian, FL, David (Janelle) Rhodes of Warren, OH, Angela Ewan and children, Savannah and Shane of Pataskala, OH, Jason (Monica) Spognardi and daughter Arabella of Grand Island, FL, Justin (Bud) Spognardi (fiancee Kayla) of Eustis, FL, Nick Spognardi and children, Chandler, Gionni, Adriana, Mariella of Mansfield, Billy Spognardi and daughter, Kamella of Mansfield, Chris (Nicole) Spognardi and children, Anthony, Maximus, and Luca of Gulf Breeze, FL, Katie (Dan) Skrzypczak and children, Zane, Daniel, and Kaylin, Traverse of MI and Kelsey and Kyle Spognardi of Steamboat, CO; a brother and sister-in-law, Julius Spognardi (Lois) of Geneva, IL; as well as many beloved relatives and friends.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Guido (Rose) Spognardi and Michael (Betty) Spognardi; sister-in-law, Audrey Spognardi; and niece, Rose Marie (Stanley) Barton.

Bill is a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Due to the pandemic, the family will observe private services. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may send contributions to Crystal Care Center, 1159 Wyandotte Ave., Mansfield, OH or St. Peter's Catholic Church, 54 S. Mulberry Street, Mansfield, OH 44902. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors.

Bill's children are grateful for the time they were able to spend with their father the last few years when he needed more family support. They want to acknowledge their brother Mike for the extraordinary effort he made to drive in from Florida to help care for their father and stay with him for several months each time. The family working together enabled their father to remain in his home until the last couple months of his life when he needed 24 hour care. Mr. Spognardi's family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at OhioHealth, Crystal Care Center of Mansfield, and the VA for the kindness shown and care given for Bill and his family.