Obituary of Pasquale F. Spina, Jr.

Pasquale "Pat" F. Spina, Jr., age 64 of the Town of Cambria, passed away Sunday May 22, 2011 lovingly surrounded by his family in the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. Pat was born March 7, 1947 in Lewiston, NY, the son of the late Pasquale F., Sr. and Anna (Mickey) Spina and was a lifelong resident of the Town of Cambria. He was a 1965 graduate of Wilson High School where he was active in sports and still holds the Shot Put distance record. Following high school, Pat attended Niagara County Community College where he pursued a degree in Business Administration. He owned and operated Pat Spina Trucking and Spina Sales & Service until he discovered his true passion and opened Spina Engine Shop in the Town of Cambria over 27 years ago. Pat was always active in the local racing circuit and was well known and respected in the racing community. He was always proud that he helped produce many winning engines on both the local and regional racing levels. The Spina Engine Shop bus was a welcoming presence for many years at Ransomville Speedway. Pat will always be remembered for the "wit, wisdom, and B.S." he provided free of charge at the shop. He had a genuine love of all creatures from cats and dogs to geese and goats which were always present on the farm. His generosity and kindness to those in need was one of his most genuine qualities. Pat could always be seen working around the farm, mowing, cutting/splitting wood, or just working in the shop. He kept busy all the time. Besides his family, animals, and racing, Pat enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, his early Sunday morning breakfasts, bargains, and telling his tales. Pat's life and presence has touched the lives of many people and his passing has left a heavy sadness not only with his family, but with all those who knew him as well. Pat leaves behind a loving family of his wife of 27 years, Lynne (Rockwood) Spina; daughters, Melissa Spina and Erika Benton and his adoring son in law Brian Benton; a dear granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Howe; step son, Todd Fraser; sister, Phyllis (James) Noonan; sister in law, Kathey Yerdon; his shop employees who became family to him, Jeff Sheehan and Brian Boos; many loving nieces, nephews, close friends, and extended family. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Thursday, May 26, from 3 - 9 pm. It was Pat's wishes that no memorial service be held. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Cambria Volunteer Fire Co., 4631 Cambria-Wilson Rd., Lockport, NY 14094 or to Save A Pet, PO Box 114, Newfane, NY 14108.