Elisa Ellen Spagnuolo, 77, of 144 Onota Street, Pittsfield, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at
Berkshire Medical Center. Mrs. Spagnuolo was a strong woman who had battled many medical
tribulations but overcame them by her faith in Jesus and her love for life. But, this time, Jesus
said, “Elisa, come Home, your work here is done”. In 2012, Mrs. Spagnuolo, as the second
person to undergo a then-yet-to-be-FDA-approved procedure by Dr. Michael Davison and his
team at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, helped pioneer the transcatheter aortic valve
implantation. Since then, more than 500 such surgeries have been performed.
Born in Logansport, Indiana, on June 3, 1939, the daughter of Peter J. and Dorothy
Knepper Donato, she was educated in Logansport schools.
Primarily a homemaker, who had been a stay-at-home mother, Mrs. Spagnuolo had also
worked as a baker.
Mrs. Spagnuolo enjoyed music and art, especially drawing, English movies (her favorite
being Pride and Prejudice), watching Harry Connick, Jr., at 4 o’clock, as well as casino trips,
horse racing, and talking to her family in Logansport, Indiana.
She is remembered for her favorite sayings: Think outside the box. Don’t drink
and drive. You’re my buddie. Hey, Dollie! Can we go to the Big Y? Stay safe. Good morning,
Baby! Hey, Tobey! Driving Miss Daisy. I’ll take another one of those (kiss, hug)! Keep on
keeping on. Sweet William. God bless. I’ll be back.
Her husband, Anthony Samuel Spagnuolo, whom she married in 1959, died in 1989.
Her first-born son, Anthony, died in infancy.
Mrs. Spagnuolo leaves her children who she always said were her legacy: Paula
Sweeney (husband Michael), Joan Tobler (husband Scott), Anthony Spagnuolo, Elisa Spagnuolo,
Justin (wife Dawn), and Jamie; as well as her grandchildren, Anthony, Victoria, Justin, Vincenzo,
Anisa, Marisa, Logan, and Autumn Rain; and her great grandchildren, Hailey, Victoria, Rapheal,
and Benjamin. Today is our mother’s birthday. We miss you, Mom, more today than
yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow. Forever love.
Mrs. Spagnuolo and her family will be forever grateful for John, Greg, and the staff of
LinCare, providing oxygen deliveries 24/7 for years, and to recognize the terrific care of the
Berkshire Medical Center Respiratory Team. Words cannot express the family’s gratitude for
the brilliance and compassion of the Berkshire Medical Center Critical Care Team of nurses and
doctors. A special thanks also goes to Berkshire Medical Center medical floors and all of the
nurses and physical therapists, Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire Visiting Nurse
Association, Elder Services of Berkshire County, and Country Ambulance, for contributing to
Mrs. Spagnuolo’s care throughout the years.


FUNERAL NOTICE:
Funeral services for Elisa Ellen Spagnuolo will be private with burial to be in Pittsfield
Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Church (whose
spiritual ministry was as vital to Mrs. Spagnuolo as the medical care she received) or to Door of
Hope in Readsboro, Vermont (whose ministry led Mrs. Spagnulo and her family to give their
lives to Christ) both in care of DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.

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