Frank D. Spinelli

Francis Dominick Spinelli, age 84, passed away suddenly on July 23, 2012 at his home in Toledo. Frank was born April 23, 1928 in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York to Dominick and Rose Spinelli. In 1931, at the age of 3, Frank contracted polio, resulting in the loss of the use of his legs. Franks father Dominick, a World War I Infantryman and Purple Heart Recipient passed away when Frank was 12. Because of his polio, Frank was not able to attend public school and was tutored at home. Frank won a New York State Regents scholarshipat age 18 which enabled him to attend college. Frank graduated from Brownes Business College and later attended Columbia University in New York City. Frank was drafted for World War II in 1945, but due to his polio, he was unable to serve. Frank volunteered to serve as a civilianin Korea during the Korean War, but again was not allowed to serve due to his polio. Frank was an advocate of wheelchair basketball, a sport he began playing competitively in the 1950s.Heplayed for the New York Spokesmen for 10 years, which gave him the opportunity to share his love for the sport. He was an associate member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Frank was an athlete in the 1959National Wheelchair Games, where he won 2Bronzemedals and 1Gold medal. He worked in accounting at Columbia University Press andthe Two Rector Street Corp in New York City.He later worked as a payroll supervisor for United Artists Corpand National Shoes, Inc. Frank moved to Massachusetts in 1979 to continue working for National Shoes, Inc. where he managed payroll for 350 stores until he retired in 1984. Frank moved to Toledo in 1995 be closer to his son and his family. Frank was very concerned with helping others and was dedicated to serving the various communities in which he lived.He was an Ombudsman for Elder Affairs in Massachusetts and served on the GovernorsWork Center Purchasing Committee during the late 1980s in Maine.He was a volunteer with the Toledo Police Departments Domestic Violence Victims Assistance Program at the Nebraska Avenue sub-station. He worked with the administration of TARTA and TARPS as an advocate for the disabled. He also volunteered his time to work as an advocate with Lott Industries.He was anExecutive Board Member and past President of the ARC of Lucas County. He was also a co-founder of the Toledo Chapter of People First, where he co-authored a work on self advocacy, which is still in use today. Frank is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, Stephen Kristin;3 grandchildren Anna, Sophia and Michael. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012 from 1-3pm at the Franciscan Center at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania, OH 43560. Memorial contributions may be made to People First- The ARC of Lucas County, 5605 Monroe St. Sylvania, OH 43560. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home, 419.841.2422.