Raymond F Spigarelli's Obituary
Raymond F. Spigarelli (LTC Retired)
On May 17, 2025 surrounded by family, Raymond (87) transitioned to Heaven. He was born May 13, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan, grew up in Plymouth, Michigan, graduated from Michigan State University (BS) and the University of Detroit (MA), and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army following undergraduate graduation.
His duty assignments were in Germany, Vietnam (two tours), Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, California, Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, and Washington. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after over 22 years of active service following attendance at the Command and Staff College, Defense Systems Management College, and the Army War College as well as a number of artillery, guided missile, and computer branch schools.
His major research and development assignments were the Tactical Fire Direction System and the Multiple Launches Rocket System. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Air Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 awards) and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
After military retirement, he had a successful 20-year civilian career as a senior staff engineer and program manager on government research and development programs for a number of defense contractors beginning with Sperry Gyroscope/Hercules Defense Electronics in 1982.
Raymond served as an Elder at Northwood Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC).
Survivors include his wife and best friend of 64 years JoAnne, daughters Pamela (Spigarelli, DMD) (Ward) Johansen of Clearwater and Barbara (Darien) Day of Vestavia Hills, Alabama and 4 grandchildren, Dane, David (Marie), Erik (Courtney), and Adrienne.
Ray’s Celebration of Life is Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11 am at Northwood Presbyterian Church, Clearwater.
Burial will be with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northwood Grand Piano Fund (www.northwoodpc.org) or the Suncoast Hospice Care Center North Pinellas (suncoasthospice.org).
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