Joseph Spezzano

Dates

October 31, 1939 - August 9, 2022

Obituary

Joseph Spezzano, 82, of Mitchell, SD, died Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral arrangements are pending under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Joseph F. Spezzano was born October 31, 1939, to Joseph A. and Marie (Infante) Spezzano in New Jersey. After graduating from high school, Joseph enlisted with the US Marines which he dearly loved.

Joseph then worked for major airlines for 37 years and retired to South Dakota in 1994. He always said, “the best move of his life”. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family in South Dakota.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Debby; sons, Scott Spezzano of Arizona and Jason Spezzano of Virginia; daughter, Denise (Scott) Beynon of Freeman SD, Suzette Spezzano of Tennessee; eleven grandchildren; and two sisters.

Posted by John Harris on February 21, 2023

To Debbie, Scott, and Jason: My heart is heavy from learning of Joe’s passing. He was truly a great person in every manner. My condolences to the family. He was my “Buddy”, my prayers will forever be with you. R I P

Posted by Dennis Crowley on January 30, 2023

I met Joe in 1971 through employees of Allegheny Airlines. He was the manager of flight attendants. He provided me with many great contacts in aviation- which I was able to use when I was news anchor on WMZQ- in Washington. He was one of the most professional employees in the airline industry.

Posted by Sam Bishop on January 28, 2023

Joe. He was something special. You could trust him. You could count on him. I remember being on an overnight with Debby in Buffalo, and Joe flew up, and we all went to Niagara Falls. Great fun with a great couple of people. Goodbye, Joe, and thank you.

Posted by Christi Barret on January 28, 2023

I can’t think of Joe without a smile….so many colorful and wonderful memories ! The world will miss you Joe Spezzano!!

Posted by Linda Burton on October 2, 2022

Joe was my first supervisor. I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful man. My deepest condolences.

Linda Burton

Posted by Karen Moberly on September 22, 2022

Joe was my first manager at Allegheny Airlines in 1970. I was a new hire. He set the bar on excellent leaders. If I took an issue to him, he would solve the problem. He was fair and firm. I really enjoyed working for him and with him.

Posted by Peggy May Dimpfel on September 21, 2022

I feel privileged to have work for Joe when I moved from Indy to Washington. If you gave Joe your best you always got his best in return. Thank you for your support and caring.

Posted by C Russell Abruzzi on September 21, 2022

Joe was my first manager at Allegheny Airlines. The consummate leader, he commanded respect, but above all, was fair and compassionate.

Posted by Chuck Havrilla on September 21, 2022

Wishing you a good journey, brother. See you soon.

Posted by Kim AleshireJohnston on September 21, 2022

Joe was my first supervisor in DCA…great memories of him…prayers to you Deb and your family…

Posted by Yvonne DufnerLauber on September 21, 2022

So sorry to hear of Joes passing. He was my first Supervisor in Newark . Always there to be of help to all of us. May he rest in peace.

Posted by Nora Cruz Zimmerman on September 21, 2022

A truly one of a kind individual. Such a sad loss.

Posted by Cyndy Atkins on September 20, 2022

My deepest condolences to Debby and the entire family. Joe was a legend at Allegheny Airlines and US Air in Washington, D.C. He ran a tight ship and had a generous and kind spirit. A really fine man and a great father to his children. He went out of his way for all of us. We will never forget him. RIP, Joe. You were so respected and loved. Thank you for being you. May your family find peace and serenity during this very sad time.

Posted by Anson and Julie Medlin on September 20, 2022

Debbie sorry for loss. Joe was my first base manager and was a very kind and nice man. He was very understanding when we had a problem and would try to help. May you Rest In Peace Joe. 🙏🙏

Posted by Michelle Dennis Morris on September 20, 2022

After you guys left the company, our DCA base was missing something. Deb, your smiles and Joe's authoritive management! You made him so happy! I'm so glad you got away from the hustle of Virginia and Washington! God bless you both and especially the Spezzano ...

Posted by Michael Shirk on September 20, 2022

Joe , my 1st manager in my new job ! Always fair . Happy trails

Posted by Dave Hutchins on September 20, 2022

Debbie, I'm sorry for your loss. Joe was a class act and loved by all. I thoroughly enjoyed the years I flew in DCA and all the great folks I met along the way.

Posted by Ron & Robby Swicegood on September 20, 2022

Loved working with Joe at Allegheny USAir & USAirWays. I was crew skd DCA and wife Robby a Flt Attendant both of us retired from company to Florida. Our heartfelt condolence.

Posted by Joseph Kernan on September 20, 2022

Dear Debbie, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. My wife and I purchased our first house in Moon Township from Joe in 1972, and I remember flying with you in DCA. He was one of the nicest guys to be around, and to deal with. May he Rest in Peace.

Joe & Donna Kernan.

Posted by Cindy Riddle on August 29, 2022

Debbie, Thinking of you ….. I met you and Joe at TRUE Fitness, when you came in. Joe was a person whom you could easily be drawn to. We connected right away . A very nice man, who loved life!!!! I am truly sorry for your loss ………

Posted by Kelly Schmidt on August 19, 2022

So sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed Joe when he would come into Iverson's and would talk to me about what he like to do to his Durango. He was a great friend and i will always remember him

Posted by Janice Kayser on August 17, 2022

I’m so very sorry for your loss Debbie. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Juli Chan on August 17, 2022

Debby, So sorry for you loss. Joe was a wonderful man.
Always loved to see the two of you when you came into Ed's. You will be in my prayers.

Posted by Jim Beaty on August 15, 2022

A truly wonderful, kind and honest person.

Posted by Mary and Richard Goudy on August 15, 2022

So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Wayne and Roswitha Konz on August 14, 2022

Dear Debbie! What a loss!! You and Joe were the best neighbors we ever had. Joe had such an outgoing and welcoming personality, and his love of watches (he always had to show Wayne a new one he got) was contagious. His perfectly groomed yard was the admiration of the neighborhood. Hugs and prayers to you and all of his loved ones.

Posted by Ronda and Lynn Barta on August 12, 2022

Debby our condolences and sympathy to you and your family. Joe had such a contagious personality and we both feel blessed that he touched our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by Tom Schulz on August 12, 2022

Joe was a great neighbor and friend, I will always remember, getting my homing pigeon flock greatly increased from Joe, we spent a lot of hours, talking of pigeons and about JESUS. May he be looking down at those white racers flying by now as he sits, with CHRIST.

Posted by Larry and Peggy on August 11, 2022

What a sad shock learning of Joes passing. i never knew of anyone with a bigger smile than Joe. With a personality of that big smile, that we will truly miss. We Will Cherish The Chop Chop horse that Joe painted for us, for sure he was an artist. Know that we're thinking of you Debbie at this sad time.

Posted by Sue Persson on August 11, 2022

Debby, I am so sorry. Joe was an awesome man. I just loved him. Love you too and sending thoughts and prayers.🙏😘

Posted by Cindy Fuerst on August 11, 2022

To my dear friend Debby, My heart is heavy and it saddened me that Joe passed away. I'am so happy that I got to know him as my very dear friend.. I had so much joy looking for the special cards to send to him, I always look forward to his smile on his face everytime I visit with you both.

Posted by Tammy Frost on August 10, 2022

To my sweet friend Debbie, I am saddened and shocked to hear of Joe’s passing. What a great person you got to spend your time with. Hugs and you are in my prayers.