Carmelo Spano

Carmelo "Mel" Spano of Crane Street, Kingston died Saturday, October 10, 2009 at his home. He was 78. He was born in Watertown on April 28, 1931 a son of the late Sebastiano and Pasqualina Spano. Mr. Spano enlisted in the US Air Force, during the Korean Conflict, in 1951. He was discharged, with the rank of Staff Sergeant, in 1955. He married Mary Perry and moved to Kingston. For 35 years he worked at I.B.M. in Kingston and Poughkeepsie. He retired in 1990 and belonged to the Quarter Century Club. Active in youth sports, Mr. Spano was involved with the Kingston National Little League as a coach. He was a founder of the Kingston Exchange Club Junior Football League, Kingston. He was one of the Exchange Club's first coaches and, for many years, served as the League's Commissioner and Vice-Commissioner. Mr. Spano served on the Kingston City Water Board of Commissioners and was a one-term president. He enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and loved to work on picture puzzles. He was a parishioner of St. Mary's Church. His wife, Mary Spano died in October 2002; three brothers Dominic, Anthony and Joseph all died previously. Surviving are one son Mark J. Spano of Ellicott, MD, three grandchildren James, Joel and Francesca Spano; one sister Carmella Esposito of Kingston; one brother Paul Spano of Kingston; many nieces and nephews. Reposing at the Simpson Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral procession will form on Thursday at 9:15 AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church at 10:00 AM. Interment, with military honors by the Joyce - Schirick Post 1386, will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. ------------------------------------------------------------ Eulogy offered at St. Mary's Church by Tanya Polacco-Williams "Uncle Mel" April 28, 1931-October 10, 2009 Seven years ago I stood before you all celebrating the life of Aunt Mary. Today I am both saddened and honored to stand before celebrating "Uncle Mel." Uncle Mel was a man of few words though we could all feel his love by his presence. He was a giver and that made him happy. I never realized to recently the stubborn side of him. Uncle Mel was a devoted Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He was a tremendous gardener. We all benefitted from his tasty vegetables he grew in his garden. Uncle Charlie.he knew you were sneaking in the garden with your salt shaker. We all have some fond memories and I wanted to capture a few. Uncle Mel was very meticulous in regards to his lawn. You never found a leaf in the yard, the flowers were bright and the trees were all pruned to perfection. Many of you I am sure have a piece of the Red Maple that Uncle Mel graciously could replant and grow. He was also great at picking out the most perfect watermelon. It wasn't just any watermelon he always made sure it was just right to give to his family or friends. Uncle Mel was a Yankee Fan. He would get mad, but never screamed at the TV like Aunt Mary did. His love was football. He loved the Giants. He was one of the original founders of the Kingston JR Football League. I feel privileged that many children today are still benefitting from a football league in which MY UNCLE personally helped to organize. When our son Zach played he was still assisting with the chains and later played the role of spectator. Uncle Mel was a lucky man. He always Found 4 leaf clovers in my Poppy's yard. Not just one clover, but many. We always tried, but he had the lucky eye. The Christmas lights WOW! People came from all over to see the house that lit up Ponckhockie. It has not been proven, but I think The Griswalds in Christmas Vacation stole the idea from Uncle Mel's house. Though the last 7 years he didn't put lights on his house any more, he came over to help my dad on Ponckhockie St. My dad would give him a broken lawn ornament of any size and he took each bulb out until he found the broken bulb. Now that is patience! Uncle Mel was an incredible baker. He continued the tradition of making cookies for Christmas and weddings. I'll miss the peanut butter balls! Uncle Mel will find peace in knowing that Mark is going to carry on the tradition of making "Squalwheelies" as he did when Aunt Mary passed. He was always a great neighbor. He captured all the squirrels and skunks and brought them safely to a new home. He even helped get Donna's cat out of the tree. And we know how much he loved Tiger! Uncle Mel loved us all, but his life was Aunt Mary (he always referred to her as "My Wife" ) Mark, and his grandchildren. He was always so proud of each and every one of them. He looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren. Their pictures were up all around the house. Speaking about them always made him smile. Though he may not be sending you all scratch offs this yearbuy one, you may get his luck from above. My family was very fortunate to spend a lot of time with Uncle Mel. My Mother cooked dinner for him every night except Fridays and Saturdays when he went out with my Poppy Gearin and Uncle Charlie. I think he went as the designated driver. He never minded the noise at family dinner. He said his house was too quiet. Well Uncle Mel Sundays...any day for that matter will not be the same without. You will be missed. Though we are saddened today I know from your smile that you are at peace with your true love...Aunt Mary. In that we can all find comfort. You are Forever and Always in my heart. Love you! Tanya Polacco-Williams