Obituaries

Russell R. Spinuzza Jr., age 70, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died at the Hospice House of the EUP in Sault Ste. Marie, on December 27, 2023. Russell was born on May 3, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, to Russell Sr. and Mona Florence (Mills) Spinuzza.

Russell lived most of his life in the Brimley, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie area. He was employed at the Soo Sheltered Workshop and at the Ojibway Hotel kitchen. In the 1970’s, Russell worked as an actor in a local television production series, “Count Zappula.” His last years were spent living at the Wood Creek apartments and he made many friends there, especially his good friend, Frank Landreville. Russell and his wife, Charmaine, were a familiar sight around Sault Ste. Marie, as they spent much time walking to various places, and even more so in later years when Charmaine was confined to a wheelchair.

Russell was very handy with his hands in his early years and enjoyed tinkering with small radios and electrical appliances. In his later years, he enjoyed bowling. He had a great memory and would remember names, especially those of his first cousins he did not see often. Russell and Charmaine enjoyed walking to the Soo Locks, often stopping for a bite to eat at their favorite restaurant, “Frank’s Place.”

Russell is survived by his aunts, Mary Denker of Brimley, Michigan; aunt and uncle, Isabell and Richard McKay of California; and his friends, Steve Warner and Laurie Mullins.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mona; wife, Charmaine; sister, Patricia Spinuzza; uncles, Harris and Bill Mills; aunts, Muriel McKiddie, June Olds, Cathrine Wilcox, and Lila Miller.

The family would like to thank his care givers for these past months, especially Pat and Jack Dean, and Jim Halvorsen, and for the families of the residents at the Hospice House of the EUP, as well as the staff who treated Russell as if he were a member of their own family. Your kindness was much appreciated and will be remembered. Love and miss you Russ; Aunt Mary and Aunt Isabell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the Family Life Funeral Homes, located at 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783, with Pastor Billy Martini presiding and with a service at 11:00 AM and a luncheon to follow at the funeral home. The burial will follow at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan, weather permitting.