WEBSTER - Elias Paul “Eli” Spitz, 69, of Webster, died suddenly Thursday March 23, 2017 after being stricken ill at home.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carol A. (LaFountain) Spitz; a son, George F. Spitz and his wife Shannon M.(White) Spitz of Webster; two step-daughters, Bonnie Pacher and her husband Keith of Baldwinville, MA and Dawn Ceppetelli of Woodstock, CT; his mother, Julia P. (Bielik) Spitz of Webster; and two sisters, Katherine Cregg of Webster and Julianne Hunter of Paxton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Ryan Elias Spitz and Victoria Nancy Spitz. Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren Jaymie Simonis, Richard Denis III, Corey Pacher, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, George A. Spitz in 1975 and by a grandson, Scott Simonis in 2012.
Mr. Spitz was born in Webster and was a lifelong resident of the Webster-Dudley area. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1964 and Worcester State College in 1968 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education followed by a Master’s Degree in Education in 1971.
He started his teaching career at Dudley Junior High School straight out of college and was a Math teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School from the day it opened, retiring in 2004 after 35 years. He also served as the Math team coach and a driver’s education instructor for many years. He was an active tutor and specialty Math instructor until the time of his death at Shepherd Hill.
Eli was a softball coach for Oxford High School for many years with his good friend Coach Jamie Hetherman. He especially enjoyed coaching baseball and softball with his son George for Ryan and Vicky’s teams. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart and he rarely missed a game, concert, school play, ceremony, or event. He always spent Christmas morning with Ryan and Vicky.
Elias enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son and grandchildren. He liked to garden and often shared that joy with granddaughter Vicky. He loved his country music and his special hat and was willing to test his luck on just about any type of sporting event. He also enjoyed vacationing in Old Orchard Beach with his family.
He was a member of Saint Joseph Basilica and the Polish American Veteran’s Club.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday, March 28, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, with a Mass at 10:30 AM in Saint Louis Church, 14 Lake Street, Webster. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be Monday, March 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to Saint Louis Endowment Fund, 15 Lake Street, Webster, MA 01570.