Charles Angelo Spezia

HERRIN Charles Angelo Spezia, 95, died Saturday, October 10, 2009 in Herrin Hospital. He was born September 20, 1914 in Herrin to Frank and Maria (Rancilio) Spezia. He received his diploma from St. Marys School on June 1, 1930. He graduated from Herrin High School. Charles was drafted into the military during World War II. He was an Army Sergeant in the 544th Depot Company, serving from 1941 to 1945 in the Northwest Territory of Canada on the Alaskan Highway and in Saipan. He married Palmira Tapella on May 19, 1954 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Herrin. She preceded him in death on February 24, 1994. He worked for a time at the Bobby Dick coal mine in Freeman Spur. Charles operated the family cabinet-making and carpentry business, Frank A. Spezia & Sons, until his retirement. He did woodwork in many historic properties in Herrin. He made furniture, household items, bird houses, and nativities in his woodworking shop at home. Charles was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion for 64 years. He was a member of the Carpenters District Council for 73 years. Charles followed the Spezia familys founding tradition of leadership and involvement in the Lombard Society for Mutual Aid and the Christopher Columbus Club. In addition to English he sang and spoke the dialect of Cuggiono, Italy. He was dedicated in service to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and San Carlo Cemetery. He was a lifelong, fourth degree member in Knights of Colombus. He was the dear father of one son, Carl John Spezia, who resides in Herrin with his wife, Beth. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his brother John Spezia; his wife Palmira; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Charles O. Tapella and Josephine C. Tapella. The family is grateful for the kindness of caregivers Vickie Radtke of Murphysboro and George Law of Herrin. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 13 from 5 to 8 pm at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. A prayer service will begin at 5:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 11 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW & American Legion Posts. Memorial donations are suggested to San Carlo Cemetery and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948.