Joseph Spadafora

Joseph C.Spadafora, age 95, of Hamilton, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at the Mount Washington Care Center where he had been a resident for the last year. He was born 6-9-15, in Hamilton, Ohio, son of Carmine and Carmela (DeFazio) Spadafora. Joe graduated from Hamilton Catholic High School in 1933 and served His country in the U S Navy for 2 years and 9 months until 1-30-1946. He was deployed in the Pacific and was preparing for the invasion of Japan until their surrender. He was employed at the Wolf and Company, later known as the David Joseph Company for 43 years until his retirement at age 65. Joe was married to Marjorie Mignery on November 21, 1942 and remained a loving and faithful husband until her death in 1998. Marge and Joe enjoyed working at the voting poles for 15 years. After Joe had retired they enjoyed winters in Florida, joined by many friends and family. Joe was one of the most accomplished and well known golfers to come out of Hamilton and the tri-state area, winning a multitude of tournaments from local to regional events. He began as a caddy at Potter’s Park Golf Course in 1927 and was still playing outstanding golf well into his late 80’s and bettered his age in scoring multiple times. Joe had 7 holes in ones during his career with the latest coming at 86! He was still a fixture at Potter’s Park until he was 92, playing a few holes daily, working as a ranger and in the pro shop. Joe was also a tremendous bowler, recording a perfect 300 game while also competing in a variety of leagues. Joe was inducted into the Hamilton Catholic-Notre Dame-Badin High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 as class of 1933. He was inducted into the Hamilton Hall of Fame in 1996 for his golf accomplishments and also inducted into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame for golf and bowling, noting his 300 game in 1943. Joe is survived by his two children; Bob (Betsy) Spadafora of The Villages, Florida and Nancy (Biff) Goldstein of Cincinnati; sister, Anne Malott of Fairfield; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a whole community of golfing family. Preceded in death by a brother, Sam and a brother, Paul who died in infancy.Contributions to his memory, may be made to The Mount Washington Care Center Resident’s Council, 6900 Beenchmont Ave.,Cincinnati Oh 45230. Services 9:15 AM Friday at the Colligan Funeral Home, Hamilton. Followed by 10:00 AM Mass at St. Joseph Church. Burial in St. Stephen Cemetery. Visitation 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home. www.colliganfuneralhome.com