Obituary of Maria L Ganci-Spinazzola

Maria L. Ganci-Spinazzola, 88, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 31, 2020. 

Maria was born on November 22, 1931, to the late Pasquale Forte and Antonetta Turcio Forte. She was the youngest of 4 siblings. Maria went to Bay Ridge High School and graduated in 1949. She was instrumental in organizing her 25th high school reunion in 1974 together with her high school chums and they remained close until her death. Maria worked for over 25 years at the New York Telephone company in the billing department; she subsequently worked for CUNY Kingsborough Community College and Edward R Murrow High School as a College Now administrator, a job she loved. She was a true people-person; students and colleagues were drawn to her bright smile and fun-loving nature. 

Maria’s talents were many. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and did so expertly. Maria lovingly made many precious gifts for people, especially new babies in the family. She also enjoyed singing; she performed with the acapella group "The Sweet Adelines”  a musical organization committed to the musical art form of barbershop harmony. 

Maria met Charles Ganci and they married in 1954. Together they lived in Boro Park, Brooklyn, across the hall from her sister Constance and brother-in-law George. Maria gave birth to Stephen in 1956 and Elise in 1962. In 1963, they bought a home in Marine Park, Brooklyn, and raised their family there.Together they enjoyed watching both their children get married: Steve to Virginia, and Elise to John. They welcomed the first of their grandchildren together, Maryann and Michael.  Maria and Charlie remained together until 1989 when he passed away. 

It was in this very funeral home that Maria then connected with John Spinazzola, whom she later married. His first wife Anne passed away on the same day as Charlie. John and Maria had met prior during jury duty. They both were friendly and discovered they had mutual acquaintances and lived in the same area of Brooklyn. When they both suffered such an early loss of their spouses, they connected and began “dating”. It took 7 years of asking, but Maria finally said yes and married John in 1997. This connection united two loving families - the Gancis and Spinazzolas. 

John and Maria were a force to be reckoned with! Together they went on many adventures. They enjoyed travels to Italy and cruises, and purchased a beautiful vacation home in Vero Beach, Florida where they went as “snowbirds”. There they enjoyed time with old and dear friends Lucrezia and Pat, their maid of honor and best man. In Florida, they connected with family members including the family of Maria’s sister Jennie, her only surviving sibling. John and Maria enjoyed their Florida slice of paradise for about 10 years together. They held many joyful gatherings for family and friends both in Brooklyn and Vero Beach, which always consisted of a sumptuous feast with all the trimmings. They were both very creative and relished in decorating both their homes in Brooklyn and in Vero Beach. 

Together, Maria and John welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren and delighted in their every accomplishment. They proudly attended all of their family’s events and performances, offering support and love. Maria and John were together for 18 years until John’s passing in 2015.

Maria is survived by her sister Jean “Jennie” Piccarelli and her spouse Thomas, her son Stephen Ganci and his wife Virginia, her daughter Elise Zubrovich and her husband John, her step daughter Regina Spinazzola Kinney and her husband Robert, and step daughter Lisa Esposito and her husband Frank. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren; Maryann and husband Brad, Michael and wife Stephanie, Christina, Alex, Julia, Christopher and wife Shirley, Laura and Elissa. Maria was also the proud great grandmother of Gavin and Leanna. She was predeceased by her brother Anthony Forte and sister Constance Forte Pigozzi. Maria lived a life full of love, excitement, and joy. She will live on in the hearts of all of her loved ones. 

Forever In Our Hearts

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May Maria's soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Reposing Wednesday, November 4 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn.

Mass of Christian burial will immidiately follow at 1:00 PM at St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Please take advantage of the Tribute Wall tab to express your compassion and condolences over Maria's passing. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Jude, or another charity of your choice. 

Maria's family invites you to join a prayer service on Wednesday at 11:00 AM via Zoom.

Please CLICK HERE OR https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85287846434?pwd=Uy9NMnI2R3lYd25xbHMxQndMNkU3dz09 to join the service virtually. 

Please be advised the Funeral Home must limit the number of attendees into the building under the Covid-19 Restrictions.

To ensure the safety of all our visitors and employees, all attendees are required to follow the following safety measures:

*Face Mask - All family members, attendees and funeral home personnel MUST wear a face mask or covering.

*Temperature check upon entrance.

*Maintain Physical Distancing.

*Stay Home if you are sick: Individuals who are sick or not feeling well should not attend the service.