Gerald Lucien Spalla

Gerald Lucien Spalla Sr, 88, of Canonsburg, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, at McMurray Hills Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born September 12, 1935, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Leonard & Jovenina (Jenny) Betonte Spalla.

Mr. Spalla was a graduate of Cecil High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1958 to 1962, where he played trumpet in the Army Band.  Mr. Spalla had worked for various companies as an electrical draftsman retiring from Bayer Corporation in 2001.  He attended several churches over the years and was most recently a member of Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church.

In his younger years, Mr. Spalla played in several local bands including Lee Barrett’s Orchestra. He was an avid woodworker creating many fine pieces of furniture for family and friends over the years. Mr. Spalla translated his love of woodworking to archery where he crafted traditional longbows for himself and others. He enjoyed going to traditional archery rendezvous shoots with his son and grandsons. Mr. Spalla was a friend to every dog he ever met, owned many furry friends over the years, and was known for sneaking treats to any dog around him with a sly smile. He loved the Italian food of his heritage and never missed a Sunday dinner with his family accompanied by red wine.

On February 28, 1959, he married Ruth Valentino Spalla who proceeded him in death in May 2020.

Surviving are two sons, Gerald L. Spalla Jr. (Cindy) of Canonsburg and Keith A. Spalla Sr. (Paula) of Hallam, PA; 11 grandchildren, Shanna Spalla (Ronald Colton), Keith Spalla Jr. (Jennifer), Jennifer Pineda-Davila (Carlos), Shelley Fink, Vincenzo Spalla (Amanda), Michael Spalla Jr. (fiancé Kacee Keeling), Timothy Spalla (Alicia), Sarah Williams (James), Ethan Spalla (fiancé Micah Williams), Zachary Spalla and Abigail Spalla; 12 great-grandchildren; several step-grand and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents and wife, are his beloved son, Michael A. Spalla Sr; and sisters Mary Jo Spalla Pape and Roselin Spalla Green.

Friends and family will be received Friday 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, with Reverand Don Coleman officiating. Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty-Four, PA 15330 or www.washingtonpashelter.org.

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