Ralph A. Spigarelli

Ralph A. Spigarelli, age 79, of Novi, formerly a longtime resident of Northville, passed away April 26, 2023.  He was born on July 3, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Frank and Mary (Rege) Spigarelli.  He graduated from Plymouth High School; class of 1961.  Following high school, he attended Western Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  He proudly served his country as an artillery officer in the United States Army and was awarded a Bronze Star during the Vietnam Conflict.   Ralph was united in marriage to Margaret A. Thomas on October 7, 1967; they spent 55 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Ralph worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Ford Motor Company at the Allen Park Body Assembly plant.  He was an incredibly hard worker and did quite a bit of traveling as part of new vehicle launches.  Retiring after 30 years with the company, he continued on as a contract employee with Ford Motor Company for another 5 years.

Ralph was a member of First United Methodist Church of Northville for 35 years.  Active with the church, he served as a leader of the Stephen Ministry, led new member classes, and brought donuts for the Men’s Book Study on Wednesday mornings.  As an organizer and planner, Ralph loved to bring people together and keep things going.  He volunteered with Angela Hospice, visiting with patients and helping with fundraising events.  He orchestrated pizza luncheons for work colleagues and recent retirees twice a year at Buddy’s Pizza in Dearborn, as well as volunteered with the high school reunion committee.

In his downtime, Ralph relaxed by cutting the grass and washing the car.  He enjoyed traveling, and throughout the years, visited many interesting locations, including Israel and London.  Ralph also took several cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and went on a Viking River cruise.  Every other year, he traveled to Hilton Head with his wife, children, and grandchildren to spend time together as a family.

Ralph was a very supportive husband and father; he went into work early so he could be home in time to attend all of his children’s extracurricular activities.  When he became a grandfather, he continued the same devotion, attending all his grandchildren’s games, recitals, and events.  Ralph was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend; he will be missed by all who loved him.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Spigarelli; his children, Kristin (Joe) Stevens and Ken (Koleen) Spigarelli; his grandchildren, Tyler Spigarelli, Leah Stevens, Bella Spigarelli, and Joshua Stevens; and his brothers, Raymond (JoAnne) Spigarelli and Alfred (Dorothy) Spigarelli. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Parkinson Foundation , 30400 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154.