Obituary of Patsy Anthony Smith

Patsy Anthony Smith, 89, passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sunday, December 8, 2024. Born in Sydney, Patsy was the son of the late Pasquale and Theresa (Massimello) Spinazzola. Patsy Smith was born under the name Pasquale Anthony Spinazzola in 1935, but as his parents were immigrants to Canada, they had changed his name to Patsy Anthony Smith. Patsy was a longtime member of the Sydney Lions Club and also a member and past president of the Cape Breton Italian Association. He was a self-made businessman who developed many building lots in the city of Sydney. In 1965, Patsy started and ran the Capri Club for over 20 years in Sydney; he was very proud of this accomplishment. On his off time from real estate and his nightclub businesses, he spent countless hours on the Murray Road in North River where he fished, hunted, and tested his homemade Italian wines while enjoying the peace and solitude of country life. In the 90’s, Pasty and his wife, Marilyn, headed for the sun and spent their winters in Sarasota, Florida, where they were both very active at the South Winds Mobile Park for over 28 years. In Florida, Patsy spent many hours sitting in the sun wood carving at which he soon became very accomplished. Patsy and Marilyn moved their family from his family home on Alexandra Street in Sydney to a beautiful Italian built home on Beaumont Avenue in Sydney River, and as time passed, they soon realized that it would be easier for them to move to a single level duplex, so they packed up and moved to Weidner Drive in Sydney River in 2024 where dad enjoyed his last days. Patsy passed away peacefully with his caring wife Marilyn at his side as he took his last breath. Patsy is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Campbell) of 56 years; son, Angelo Spinazzola; daughter, Vivian (Smook); sister, Theresa (Ferguson); granddaughter, Anais Cammaert-Spinazzola, and countless nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Gino, Pino, Orlando, Perino (aka Pordeno); son, Carlo; sisters, Mary (Chicorelli), Rita (Weatherbee), Ramona (Landry), Netta (MacIsaac), and Angelina (Degaust). Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 17, from 4-6 pm; funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 11 am, in the funeral home Chapel, Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. Donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes https://loavesandfishescb.com/donate/ or charity of your choice. A Special THANK YOU goes out to his longtime friend, Dr. Greg Myatt and Janice (aka Jannette), as well as Laura and Shannon from Dr Myatt’s office. The family would also like to thank the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for their compassion and excellent quality of care given to Patsy. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tjtracey.com.