Michael E. Spena

Michael E. Spena, age 76, passed away as the beloved husband of 53 years to Rosemary (nee Yuhas). He was the cherished father of Michael E. Spena, Jr. (wife Elizabeth) and Rebecca McCalligan, and the loving papa of Michael Spena, Gabriella Spena, Grace McCalligan, and William Spena. He was the son of the late Michael and Angelina Spena, and the dear brother of Joseph Spena (wife Linda), Mary Spena-Bosch (husband Dave), Christopher Spena (wife Tina), Jimmy Spena (Pam Fazio), and Nina Bogus (husband Dennis). He was also the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Michael approached life with passion, whether at work or at play. In 1975, as a young man, he founded a successful landscape design-build construction company, which he expanded a decade later to include a hardscape supply yard. His strong work ethic and commitment to perfection left a lasting legacy of beautiful landscape installations throughout the greater Cleveland area. Deeply devoted to the green industry, he was an active member of the Ohio Landscape Association for 50 years, serving as President and Treasurer, and served for many years as Treasurer on the board of the Associated Green Industries. He received Lifetime Achievement awards from both organizations.

Proud of his Italian heritage, Michael enjoyed making pasta with his family and participating in Italian cultural organizations. He served as the “trash man” at The Feast, performed as a gondolier and tenor in the Columbus Day parade, and devoted many hours to beautifying the Italian Cultural Gardens. In 2018, he was honored by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee. He cherished his membership at Club Molisani, where he found great camaraderie among his friends. Above all, he valued his strong family connections and especially loved spending time with his four grandchildren, often challenging them at bocce or cards. Known for his big personality and even bigger mustache, he enjoyed a good cigar, a single-malt scotch, and a winning game of bocce.