Alfred Richard Spigarelli

On March 23, 1939, Al was born, son to the late Americo and Belle (Fournier) Spigarelli. Born and raised in Iron Mountain, he graduated from Iron Mountain High School with the Class of 1957. Shortly after high school, Al was introduced to the “love of his life,” Donna Eifolla through his Uncle Moose (Dominick). On May 14, 1960, the two crazy kids eloped.

They quickly started a family while living in Milwaukee but missed the U.P. and moved back to the area in 1964. Al worked for many years as an electrician at the Hanna Groveland Mine. When the mine closed in 1981, Al spent the rest of his career working for Mead Paper, retiring in 2002.

Al was an active and involved father and grandfather. He dedicated himself to coaching the baseball teams of his children. His talent as a coach was apparent from the many championship teams produced and even as he coached from the bleachers of his grandchildren’s events. He was an athlete in high school and loved sports, any professional Detroit team being his favorites. It can be proven by the number of ‘D’ baseball hats he leaves behind.

When he was younger, Al loved to hunt at the camp he built in Gwinn, play in bocce ball tournaments at the City Park, and travel with Donna, with a trip to Italy being a favorite. In his later years, he continued to be a hardworking man with an inquisitive mind that kept him young. He would take apart things just to see how they worked, impeccably washed the dishes, and did Sudoku every day.

The man was always smiling, and he took “whistle while you work” to the next level…it was his delightful trademark, and one we will miss terribly.

Al will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Donna; his children, Teresa Spigarelli, Cathy Spigarelli, David Spigarelli, Brian (Erika) Spigarelli and Barbra Spigarelli (Christopher VanOss); grandchildren, Bryan, Brentley, Brandon (Val), Ciara, Tyler, Ashley (Tyler), Domenic (Annika), Casey (Dave), Brittani (Jack), Miranda, Jake, Taylor and Morgan; great-grandchildren, Carsyn and Camdyn; and many other family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Al is preceded in death by his son, Gary; grandson, Tony; and siblings, Donald (Sharon) Spigarelli and Joan (Bob) Fayas.

Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 600 Marquette Blvd. in Kingsford, with Fr. Michael Woempner officiating.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Alfred Richard Spigarelli online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.