Paul J. Spinelli, 98

February 6, 1926 - June 28, 2024

Paul J. Spinelli, 98, passed away June 28, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Pottsville, PA on February 6, 1926, he was the son of Samuel and Anntoinette Spinelli. He grew up in Pottsville, PA through his 17th birthday.

He worked as a department manager for Sears in Pottsville until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in early 1946. He served 3 years in the South Pacific during World War II. During his service time, he was stationed on the USS Jicarilla ATF-104, serving as a Soundman during Navy watch, and loader on 40 M gun battle station. He earned an American Theater Ribbon, and Asia Pacific Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars. He also received the Philippines’ liberation bar and Victory Medal. The ship saw action in Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Philippines. The ship was one of the ships to enter Japan after Japan’s surrender and was used to tow other ships to Bikini Atoll for atomic bomb tests.

After returning from service, Paul married Blanche Walchak in 1947. Later, he was promoted by Sears to Peekskill, NY in 1959 to Operations Manager, and in 1964 transferred to Sears in Red Bank, NJ. Later opening a new Sears store in Middletown, NJ. In 1967, he transferred to Sears in Lancaster and in 1977 supervised the opening and stayed as the store’s operations manager in Park City, until his retirement in 1985.

After retiring, Paul and Blanche spent much of their time traveling. They traveled across the US several times, made several visits to the Caribbean, and spent time in Hawaii: a favorite of Blanche’s.

Paul is survived by his children, Diane DeRemer of Lancaster, Kathleen Speicher, wife of the late Daniel of Lancaster, and Paula J. Spinelli (Betty DiPonzio) of Rochester, NY; grandchildren, Eric DeRemer (Keri Lopes) and Megan Transue (Matthew), as well as grandchildren, Lillian DeRemer, Logan Transue and Maya Transue. Together Paul and Blanche shared over 65 years until her passing in 2012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Paul at 11 AM on Monday, July 15, 2024, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601. The family will receive guests at the church from 10 AM until the time of Mass. Memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to the church at the address above. To honor Paul’s military service, he will be interred at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA.