Obituary of Samuel Anthony Spina

Samuel A. Spina, 86 Samuel A. Spina, former Mayor of the Township of West Orange, New Jersey and United States Marine, 86, having completed his journey on this earth has returned to the loving arms of his creator and savior, surrounded by his loved ones, on Wednesday February 10, 2016. Visitation will be held on Sunday February 14, 2016 from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful if you would have masses said in Sam's name. A mass celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange, where he was a parishioner for the past 86 years. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover Sam was born in Orange and was a lifelong resident of West Orange. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joan (nee Coen) for 63 years. He received his Bachelors Degree in Biology from Seton Hall University. He proudly served as a Corporal in the United States Marines Corps. Sam was the Director of Personnel for the County of Essex. Mayor Spina began his distinguished career in public service in 1970 when he was elected to the West Orange Township Council. In May 1978, Sam was elected Mayor for the first time. In 1982, Sam became the first candidate for Mayor to run unopposed in the history of West Orange. He was elected to an unprecedented fifth term in 1994, serving the people of West Orange for 32 years. He was the "people's Mayor." He was elected to serve as the President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors in April 1988. In 1991, he was elected Chairman of the Essex County Conference of Mayors. Sam was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange where he served as a Lector for 50 years. He was recently awarded the Marnell Award, for a lifetime of dedication to the Church. He was the past President of the Holy Name Society, and Past Grand Knight West Orange Council of Knights of Columbus Council 5519, and 4th Degree Archbishop Bailey Assembly. Sam was actively involved with Seton Hall Prep, serving as a member of the Father's Club, and the Seton Hall Alumni Association. He was a member of the W.O. Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, UNICO, and American Legion. He was also a member of the Padre Pio Sons of Italy Club, Irish American Society of the Oranges, and was also honored by B'nai Brith. Mayor Spina, in his role as "citizen," has served the community well for many years in many capacities; his whole hearted participation in many charitable, civic and church functions have earned for him the respect of countless people representing all ages and walks of life. Sam's larger than life personality lit up a room when he walked in. A person like Sam only passes this way once in a lifetime. He was known for his smile and upbeat gregarious demeanor. He was a gracious person who treated those he met with respect and dignity. He helped many and will be missed greatly. He is predeceased by his parents, Anthony S. and Agnes E. Spina and his loving son, Michael. He is survived by his loving children and their families: Robert (Bobby), Anthony (Tony) and Lorraine, Elaine and Bart Petrillo, Suzanne and Pat LaBracio, Tippy (Sam), Marleen and Peter Nigro, in addition to 13 loving grandchildren: Pasquale and Joseph LaBracio, Dana, Jacquelyn and Jennifer Petrillo, Stephanie and Elizabeth Spina, Sophia, Dominic and Ava Marie Spina and Katherine, Tia and Aliya Nigro.