James Anthony Spina

James A. Spina, 91, formerly of Kelly Street in Rotterdam, died suddenly on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. James was born Feb. 24, 1922, in Schenectady, son of Fortunato and Philomena Longo Spina. He was a graduate of Draper High School and began his working career with the General Electric Co. at the age of 18 as a draftsman in the Gas Turbine Department. He held several patents by the time of his retirement in 1985 after 44 years of service.He served in the Army in WWII and was stationed with the garrison on Iwo Jima following the battle there. James was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, the Holy Name Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Schenectady Drafting Association and the GE Quarter Century Club. He was a past Grand Knight with the Rotterdam Knights of Columbus. James was predeceased by his parents; by his beloved wife,Angeline TersigniSpina , who died in 2002; by his brothers,Gabriel, Sesto andSilvio Spina; and by sisters Julia Pasquariello, Josephine Monticolo, Helene Friello and Louise Troiano. James is survived by his children, David J. Spina of Glenville, Matthew G. (Donna Tarbania) Spina of Buffalo, Diane M. (Michael R.) Babin of Rotterdam and Mary S. (Cory D.) Wheeler of Summit, N.J.; asister,Eleanor (Nick) Capra of Rotterdam;brothers-in-law Anthony Friello and Anthony Troiano; sister- in-law Carmela Spina;five grandchildren:Michelle Spina, Steven Babin, Christine Babin, Elizabeth Spina and Samuel Tarbania; and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday in the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Princetown Road, Rotterdam. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 23000 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA94024-7499 or the Schenectady City Mission, 425 Hamilton St. Schenectady, NY12305.