Philip L. Spagnoli

Philip Louis Spagnoli passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on September 22, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Phil was the son of Michael and Ella (Sabatello) Spagnoli. He was the seventh of thirteen children and grew up in a lively, loving household that helped shape his deep devotion to family.

After graduating from high school, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Jason during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge in San Francisco, fate stepped in when he met the love of his life, Eva Lopez. They were married on April 7, 1956, and together built a life centered on family, love, and hard work. They raised six children: Teri, Eileen, Michael, Philip, Susan, and Joseph.

Over the years, Phil was blessed with a growing family that included 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eva, and his great-granddaughter, Alexandra Anderson.

Throughout his life, Phil held jobs with Burroughs, SCM, and Control Data. His talent and determination eventually led him to open his own company, All-Tech Electronics, where he repaired televisions and stereos and installed antennas throughout the community. Even after retirement, he remained busy gardening, helping his children with projects, and staying active. He was never one to sit still.

To everyone who knew him, he was simply “Papa.” One of his favorite T-shirts proudly proclaimed, “Papa: The Man, The Myth, The Legend,” and those who loved him would agree that he lived up to the title.

Papa enjoyed a cold Coors beer or a glass of Chianti, loved grilling and hosting family gatherings, and cherished camping trips and traveling with Eva. He especially enjoyed dancing to “That’s Amore” with his wife or any of his girls. A gifted handyman, Papa could fix almost anything. He proudly taught family members how to make Italian sausage, carrying on a tradition passed down from his father.

Family was the center of Papa’s world. He attended countless sporting events, school activities, graduations, weddings, and baptisms for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was fiercely protective of his girls and encouraged the boys to always give their best. He was the grandparent who could be counted on to pick up the kids when a parent was running late and who never missed an opportunity to stop for a treat on the way home, whether it was taffy from the bank drive-through or a McDonald’s Happy Meal.

Papa’s hugs were unforgettable. He kept a watchful eye on any young man who showed interest in one of the girls, making sure they knew he was paying attention. He was a protector through and through, offering honest advice and steadfast support, even when his candor was not always what others wanted to hear.

His absence leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of all who loved him.

Papa will be remembered for the love he shared, the traditions he passed down, the memories he created, and the lasting impact he made on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A funeral service will be held on July 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery & Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, California 95621.

“Papa: The Man, The Myth, The Legend.” Forever loved, forever remembered.