Sam Spina

Sam "Tony" Spina, 82, of Roswell passed away at home on Saturday, November 3, 2012 after a lingering illness. His passion for golf was exceeded only by his love of family and his occupation as a pilot. Tony was born on May 25, 1930 in Clarksburg, WV to Antonio and Anna (Liptak) Spina. He graduated from Victory High School in Clarksburg and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served four years with his final duty station being Walker Air Force Base in Roswell. He realized his childhood ambition by becoming a licensed pilot and instructor. His career included 24 years as a pilot for the Anderson Oil Co. in Roswell. Tony was a member of the Spring River Senior Men's Golf Association and the Eastern New Mexico Senior Golf Association. He made many friendships through golf and proudly displayed four “Hole in One” plaques in his den. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, son Steven, and great granddaughter Harper Noelle. He leaves his daughter, Crystal (Jimmy) Allison, grandchildren Alyse (John) Dowson of Roswell, Lauren Allison of Roswell, Ian (Jennifer) Allison of Durango, Colorado, Shea (Sarah) Spina of Seattle, Washington, Taylor (Ryan) Thompson-Rios of Eatonton, Georgia, three great -grandchildren Quinn, Keyton and Gracynn, sister Patricia (Charles) Miller of Barberton, Ohio and their children, David (Lisa) Miller of Westerville, Ohio, Barbara (Doug) Dunwald of Barberton, Ohio, Janet (Bradford) Northcraft of Plover, Wisconsin, Paul (Catherine) Miller of Friendswood, Texas, and many other relatives. Tony also leaves a special companion Annette Voliva and his loving and trusted dog Pretty Girl. Tony was a member of First United Methodist Church of Roswell. Honorary pallbearers are Dub Bryan, Jack Cogan, John Correia, Bob Pottle, Kent Reed and Jim Summersgill. The family would like to thank Dr. Badine and staff at Kymera Cancer Center for all their hard work and dedication. Thank you to Dr. Muhammad and the staff and sitters at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. Thank you to Dr. Evan Nelson for your perseverance and attention. Also thanks to staff at Vista Care Hospice and Comfort Keepers. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Friday, November 16th at 2 pm with Dr. Doug Mills officiating. A committal will be held immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harper Noelle Memorial Foundation, 2705 Resolana Drive, Roswell, NM 88201 in honor of his great granddaughter.Cremation has taken place. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories in the online register book at andersonbethany.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Sam Spina

May 25, 1930 - November 3, 2012