Louis A. Spataro

"They say you die twice. The first time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time." –Bansky

Louis Spataro, of Waltham, MA (and if he had his way, Ireland), passed away on November 13, 2021 at CareDimensions Hospice House after several years of poor health.

Born February 27, 1944 to Diego and Angelina (LaRosa) Spataro of Waltham, MA. His parents immigrated to America from Aragona, Italy, a province of Agrigento, Sicily. Lou was immensely proud of them and his Italian heritage.

Known as "Spats" in high school, the words "Mischief, meet thy Maker", appear under his picture in the yearbook. Many may laugh aloud to know that his peers in the Class of 1962 at Waltham Vocational High School awarded Lou with the superlative of "Personality Plus". Lou was proud of his time on the WHS football team and told many stories over the years.

After high school, Lou was assigned to D Company of the 2nd Training Regiment at Fort Dix, NJ for 8 weeks of basic training in conjunction with the 1955 Reserve Forces Act. Lou received an honorable discharged from the Army on January 31, 1970.

The retail meat business is where Lou would spend over forty years of his life. He worked in all aspects of the business and loved what he did. Lou dismissed anyone who called him a butcher. In the early years of his career, he met Dick Dauphinee, a fellow meat cutter at Star Market in Norwood, MA. Until Dick's death in 2020, they remained close friends. The stories of their shenanigans will live on for years to come.

Lou is survived by his wife, Denise (Gardiner), his children, LeeAnn Spataro of Waltham, Loretta Kaufman (David) of Newton, and Joseph Spataro (Joia) of Boston, whom he loved more than anything else in the world…except cars! Lou was a true car enthusiast. After being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2015, and surviving an extensive surgery, he convinced his wife he needed to buy his "last new car before he dies". In 2021, he purchased his "fourth last car before he died".

Nothing was more important to him or gave him greater pleasure than his six grandchildren did. AshLee Spataro, Atavio, Bianca, and Marlena Spataro, Hailey and Juliana Kaufman, and his great granddaughter, Rowan Stetson, will miss his unconditional love. He loved them fiercely and was proud of each one of them.

Sister, Carol McLaughlin (Gerald) of Marshfield and his in-laws, Gwen Gardiner of Nashua, New Hampshire, Gail Gardiner, Bill Gardiner (Christine), Debi Glasheen (Robert), and mother-in-law, Mary Gardiner, all of Waltham, survive him.

Lou adored his nieces and nephews. Karen, Donna, Richie, Tina, Jerry, Jason, Lyndsay, Jessica, Ryan, Tori, Emma, & Olivia (aka Buff) will miss his legendary sense of humor.

Left with decades of fond and colorful memories, are his friends and extended family. They will never forget his tenacity, wit, and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and brothers, Salvatore and Alphonse Spataro, father-in-law, mentor and best friend, Bob Gardiner.

Funeral services for Lou will be private. Honor his memory by raising a glass, hugging your loved ones, and telling stories about Lou.