Nicholas R. Spinosa 1930-2026

Nick was the son of the late Vincent and Philomena Caldararo Spinosa.

Mr. Spinosa was born Oct. 5, 1930, in Pescolanciano, Italy, and came to America as a youngster and an American citizen.

He was a graduate of Lowellville High School, Class of 1949, and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. In baseball he pitched a no-hitter as a senior against Berlin Center. Score 8-0. Joe Flora was the catcher. In football, one of his touchdowns was a 90-yard run from scrimmage, a school record, against Goshen. Score 26-7. He also kicked the two extra points. Nick experienced scoring points in five different ways. He threw a pass for a touchdown, caught a pass for a touchdown, ran a touchdown from the line of scrimmage, returned a kickoff for a touchdown and kicked extra points.

He was a graduate of Youngstown State University, Class of 1956, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, majoring in accounting.

He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 and was honorably discharged as a corporal.

Mr. Spinosa began his career with the Internal Revenue Service in 1956 and worked in the Youngstown office as a field auditor until his retirement in 1985.

Mr. Spinosa was a certified public accountant and an enrolled agent, and after retirement he became self-employed as an accountant and a tax preparer, a career he continued until 2026 and spanned over 70 years. From 1986 to 1992, he was the earned income tax collector and zoning officer for Mahoning Township.

Nick’s work ethic started at the age of 9 when he began shining shoes at Ben Polis’ shoe repair shop. By the time he was 11, he was replacing the heels on the shoes. His Aunt Carmela Logozzo operated a grocery store in Lowellville, and after World War II started in 1941, she needed help at the store. He left his job at the shoe repair shop to help at the grocery store with the filling of the orders and helping to deliver them. Keeping records at the grocery store developed his future career in accounting.

Nick had various jobs as a teenager and during his years in college. The job he cherished most was the summer he graduated from high school and got a job at Carbon Limestone helping his father operate a limestone drill in the quarry, drilling holes in the limestone. At the end of the day, dynamite would be packed in the holes and the limestone would be blasted loose. Nick got to see up close how hard his dad had to work every day and in all kinds of weather. It made him appreciate his dad even more.

Nick was a member of the current Holy Spirit Parish and the former St. Lawrence Church, where he had served as CCD teacher, Eucharistic minister, and member of the parish council and finance committee.

Nick was blessed to be the steward of many gifts. As a eucharistic minister, he had the privilege to serve God by distributing communion.

Nick also enjoyed music, crossword puzzles, gardening, bowling, golf, sports and horse racing. During the 1950s and 1960s he played baseball with Hillsville in the North County League as a pitcher and an outfielder. One of his games was a one-hitter against Pulaski. The game was called after nine innings with the score tied 0-0. Richard Fishburn also tossed a one-hitter for Pulaski. He especially enjoyed watching Little League World Series. He believed that this was baseball in its purest form and it was played for the love of the game.

After baseball he became an avid golfer.

Nick cherished the times spent with his family and the love and hugs they shared, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. The three things Nick held close to his heart were God, family and country.

Nick was preceded in death on Nov. 16, 2020, by his beloved wife, the former Judith K. Augustine, whom he married Jan. 21, 1956, and with whom he enjoyed and shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Mr. Spinosa was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Arnold and Vincent.

Nick is survived by a son, Brian, of Edinburg, Pa.; a daughter, Pamela, of Dublin; grandchildren, Johnathan and Kelly Curran; a daughter, Dr. Susan Jackson, of New Castle, Pa.; and grandchildren, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson.

Honoring his wishes, a private blessing service will be at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 3000 Wilmington Road. Father Aaron Kriss will officiate. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

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