Richard Allen Spadaro, Altamont, age 66, passed away at the Stanton Nursing Home in Glens Falls on April 28, 2015, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Dick is the son of Betty Allen Spadaro of Glen Lake and the late Patrick Spadaro. He was born on his grandmother’s (Stella Allen Vroman) birthday, September 5, in 1948, in Albany. As a young boy, Dick was very interested in “wheels”. He talked his parents into purchasing a go-kart so he could race at the Edinburg track. At the track, they became members of a club with parents active in running a food concession. Dick’s mother ran the gate. This project gave the club funds for trophies and rental of the track. Dick graduated from Guilderland Central High School in 1966 and received his Bachelors Degree from Oswego SUNY in 1970. During his college years he majored in Industrial Arts and was a very active member of Phi Sigma Phi. His fraternity brothers gave him great support during his illness. Dick also took classes at SUNY Albany. After college, he joined the Army Reserves and added another group to his life-long chain of friends who also came to his aid throughout his life. These friends have been a great support to his mother. The North Colonie Shaker High School hired Dick to teach Industrial Arts subjects where he became acquainted with a group of wonderful people. This group became life-long friends also. On weekends and vacations during these ten years of teaching he was always searching for antique Ford car parts ‘32-’48. Dick became acquainted with companies dealing with reproduction parts and decided to have his own business. The Altamont Firehouse on Maple Avenue was for sale and he purchased the building. “Dick Spadaro’s Early Ford Reproductions” quickly grew and when a larger space was needed, he purchased a building on the outskirts of Altamont on Route 158. “Early Ford” merchandise was shipped throughout the USA, to England, Norway, Australia and remote islands. While touring, selling and buying, Dick met with the ESS racing group and decided to start racing a Sprint car for pleasure. Dick raced the number 29 with the group for many years. After race parties were held at Glen Lake many times. His mother was often with Dick at the races at Lebanon Valley, Albany-Saratoga (Malta), Fonda and Devil’s Bowl as well as Dundee. Several times he raced with the Outlaws when they were in the area. Through the years Dick spent many hours on the telephone explaining the techniques of restoring a ’32-‘48 Ford. Dick is known throughout the country for his expertise in the ’32-’48 Ford restoration field. He received letters and cards of appreciation from many of those he had helped. At car shows all over the country, Dick had his reserved location each year. Hershey PA and Carlisle PA were special meets for him. He walked the fields of Hershey, the aisles of SEMA and the lanes of many National Street Rod events. Dick will be remembered for his honesty, friendship, caring and his exuberance for life. The Spadaro family wholeheartedly thanks the staff at Albany Medical Center and the staff of Stanton Nursing Home, Glens Falls for their friendship, kindness and excellent care of Dick. In addition to his mother, Betty Allen Spadaro, Dick is survived by his uncle, Joseph (Betty) Spadaro of Saratoga Springs, and his cousins: Susan (David) Arnold of Michigan, Terri McCoy (Peter Audet) of Albany, Anthony Spadaro of Delmar, Frank (Susan) Spadaro of Malta, Patricia Spadaro of Herkimer, Linda (Charles) Miller of Delmar, Marie Young of Altamont, Carl Horton of Lykers, Ellen Ulleman of Cobleskill, Edward Horton of Amsterdam and Ernest Horton of Schenectady. A calling period will be held Saturday, May 9 from 10 to 12:30pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Turnpike (Rt. 20 just west of Carman Rd.) Guilderland. A service will immediately follow at 12:30 at the funeral home In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Altamont Library, 179 Main St. Altamont, NY 12009 or the NYSSCA P.O. Box 1136 Clifton Park N.Y. 12065. Please mention Richard Spadaro in memo section. On-Line condolences may be left at www.demarcostonefuneralhome.com
Several years ago when I was building a 35 Ford coupe, Dick was an invaluable source of information. Although I didn't buy much in the way of parts from him, he always took time to discuss some issue in the build and "was always" ready to impart wisdom from his many years of knowledge. One of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of being around.
Bob Thanks for posting theres so much I never knew about Dick reading his history and all the groups he was part of he was one amazing and busy guy he will be missed greatly.
From what was posted it appears that Dick never married and had a family. Even so he had a full life and will be missed by his extended family. RIP Dick and keep the shop clean while you wait for the rest of us to arrive.
I always enjoyed his incite here on the HAMB. He was always very helpful. Seemed like a good old boy that enjoyed doing this stuff we call a hobby. RIP
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