Obituary of Virgil F. Spaeth

Mr. Virgil F. Spaeth, age 93 of Gloversville, died Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Nathan Littauer Hospital, Gloversville. He was born August 24, 1915 in Granite City, Illinois, the son of the late John and Bertha Shidler Spaeth. A 1935 graduate of Granite City High School, Virgil later served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with four bronze stars, the Philippine Leiberation Ribbon with one bronze star, the American Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Ribbon. He came to Gloversville in 1946 and was first employed at the former Chester Rudy Nash Garage for two years and later worked at McCue's Auto Parts for eleven years. He then worked at Garlock's Garage for 21 years where he retired as parts manager in 1979. Mr. Spaeth was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Fulton County Sheriff´s Association, VFW Post #2077, Catholic War Veterans and was a Life Member of the Fulton County DAV. He was a former member of the Mayfield Servicemen´s Club, Concordia Singing Society, Ancient Order of Foresters, all of Gloversville; and the Johnstown Moose Lodge. For many years he bowled in several bowling leagues in the Gloversville area. Virgil was married to Josephine Pezzella on July 17, 1948. She died July 30, 1981. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah V. Salvatore and his two beloved grandsons, Michael J. Salvatore and Anthony J. Salvatore, all of Gloversville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Marvin E. Spaeth and John Spaeth. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 27th at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church, Gloversville. The Very Rev. Donald Czelusniak will be the celebrant. Interment will take place with military honors at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gloversville. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the chairty of your choice.