Obituary: Michael Arthur Spinelli

1939 – 2024 

May 10, 2024

Michael Arthur Spinelli, 1939-2024

Michael Arthur Spinelli, 84, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on May 3, 2024, at The Arbors in Shelburne, Vermont. Michael was born in 1939 in Barre City, Vermont, and moved to Montpelier, Vermont, where he graduated from Montpelier High School and most importantly, met the love of his life, Nancy Ann Blaisdell. 

He served in the U.S. Air Force as a radio operator from 1957-1961, before becoming a sales manager at Jordan Milton, a Caterpillar dealership, working in both New Hampshire and Vermont. Michael began his own Waterbury-based business, Spinelli Equipment, where he developed some of his most valued friendships across the industry. 

Michael was involved in community service in many ways. He treasured his Waterbury community, and was a dedicated member of the Waterbury Ambulance Service crew, serving as a driver and board member. During the latter half of his life, Michael often hand-delivered hats and scarves to the needy, knit by his wife, Nancy. 

He was an active outdoorsman, enjoying downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking near Waterbury Reservoir with his faithful canine companion, Shadow. He was an ace pitcher, and helped lead his Waterbury Mens’ Softball League team to a state championship. When he wasn’t tending his own immaculate lawn, he could be found on the links at either Blush Hill Country Club or Ryder Brook Golf Club (“The Farm”).

Michael leaves behind four children and their spouses/partners: Jennifer (Don) Wyslotsky, Susan (Jim) Romanoff, Sarah (Tom) Burrows and Michael (Kate Stephenson) Spinelli; grandchildren: Andrew (Alisa Cario) Wyslotsky, Maria (Kelsey) Wyslotsky, Caty (Evan) Ward, Meghan (Filipe) Rodrigues, Daniel Burrows, Nina Jing Romanoff, Lily Spinelli, and Lucia Spinelli, and great-grandchild, Sophia Rodrigues.

Michael was predeceased by his wife Nancy, who passed away on January 3, 2023.

A graveside service will be held June 2 at 1 p.m. at Maple Street Cemetery, Waterbury Center, followed by a reception at 2 p.m. at the nearby Waterbury Center Grange Hall, 317 Howard Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the Waterbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 95, Waterbury Center, VT 05677. To send online condolences please visit perkinsparker.com.