Obituary of Raymond Spinola

Raymond Spinola passed away peacefully on February 10 2024 at his daughter’s home, surrounded by a burning fire, sounds of Sinatra, and the love of family and beautiful caregivers.

Ray was born to Josephine and Remo Spinola on August 10, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1934, at the height of the Great Depression, Ray’s family relocated to Detroit. Following his graduation from Detroit Southwestern High School, Ray enrolled in the College of Business at Michigan State University. He was the first in his family to attend college, inspired in large part by his adoring mother. Shortly afterward, he served in the United States Army for two years. Upon his discharge in November, 1953, Ray became a member of the audit staff of the Detroit office of Haskins and Sells, now Deloitte.

During a ski weekend in Northern Michigan, Ray met Lois Clark, a graduate of Hillsdale College and sportswear buyer for Hudson’s Department Store. At the end of the weekend, Ray drove her home through a snowstorm where they stopped at a roadside diner and shared their first dance to the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra on the jukebox. Four months later, they were engaged and then married in September. “Hasty perhaps, but never a doubt,” the couple enjoyed saying.

In 1966, Ray, whose auditing experience focused primarily on large multinational companies, was admitted to the partnership of Deloitte. In 1975, he was appointed Partner in Charge of the firm’s Michigan practice. He held this position until 1983, when he was elected to the firm’s Board of Directors and transferred to the New York Headquarters to participate in the implementation of strategic firm-wide initiatives. Three years later, he became Partner in Charge of the firm’s New York Office and relocated from Birmingham, Michigan to New Canaan, Connecticut. It was here at Deloitte where Ray made some of his most valued and loyal friendships.

In 1987, Ray was recognized as an outstanding alumnus of Michigan State University’s College of Business, and honored with an invitation to deliver the 1988 commencement address.

Following his retirement in 1992, Ray turned to writing, a personal passion that brought him great fulfillment. Though they were not published, Ray enjoyed sharing his two novels, “Feet of Clay” and “The Fall and Rise of Spencer Garms,” with his family and friends. A prolific reader and writer, business professional, avid Spartans football and basketball fan, traveler, golfer, gardener, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ray articulated a life well lived.

Ray is survived by three children and their spouses: Amy and Tom Corcoran, Beth and Joel Simon, and Mark Spinola; and his seven beloved grandchildren: Conor, Bennett, and Emma Corcoran; Olivia, Josephine, and Luisa Simon; and Warren Spinola.

A private burial for his immediate family will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. A celebration of life for Ray’s extended family and friends will be announced in the spring.

Those wishing to honor his memory can make a gift to the Congregational Church of New Canaan, where Ray was a loyal member and lovingly aided by his spiritual family; or the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA), for their unwavering commitment, care, and compassion.

For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

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