Michael J. Spina, 78, of Delray Beach, Florida, formerly of Remington, Virginia, and Bogota, New Jersey, departed this world on July 30, 2022, from heart failure at West Boca Medical Center.
He was predeceased by his brother, James, in 2001 and survived by his siblings, Gary J. Spina of Joplin, Missouri, Yvonne Van Wetering of Mahwah, New Jersey, Anita Hanley of Warwick, New York and his 3 children, Lisa M. Spina of Delray Beach, Florida, Joseph A. Spina (Susan) of Remington, Virginia, and Christina A. Spina (Timothy) of Boca Raton, Florida as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was also the son of Michael N. Spina and Anita R. Mistretta.
Michael was born in Brooklyn, NY and started out as a bus mechanic before starting his police career on January 21st 1972, with the Port Authority of NY/NJ, he was assigned to the George Washington Bridge, where he enjoyed being a cop and had many great friendships with his fellow officers.
Michael was a college graduate of St. Peter’s College, graduating with a bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
Michael’s love of family was his greatest joy in life especially spending time with his three children. He was a true Renaissance man with many different talents and hobbies which included a love of history, old western movies, weapons, and woodworking, and 50s nostalgia as well as love of family holidays and gatherings showcasing his talent for cooking.
Michael also enjoyed socializing with his close work colleagues for their annual events and outings. Michael’s legacy will be his devotion to his 3 children of whom he was extremely proud of, and his fierce loyalty and capacity for enjoying good laughs and good times. Michael lived a full life, despite leaving us too soon.
Visiting hours are Wednesday 9-11 AM at Van Emburgh Funeral Home, 306 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. (201) 445-0344.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church at 1 Passaic St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Burial will be at Maryrest Cemetery at 770 Darlington Ave, Mahwah, NJ 07430.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, one of Michael’s favorite charities.