David Joseph Spisso

David Joseph Spisso, 78, of Hardeeville, SC, passed away unexpectedly on June 20, 2022 at Coastal Carolina Hospital. 

David was born on June 14, 1944 to Joseph Louis Spisso and Mildred Carmella Cataldo in Plainfield, NJ. After graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1962, he went on to study Naval Science at the United States Naval Academy. After graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign and was designated a Naval Aviator flying the P-3C Orion and was also a Navy Recruiting Command Officer.  He served for 25 years and retired as a Lieutenant Commander in Macon, GA. He married Martha Ellen Fondren in 1971 in Jacksonville, FL.  They have two sons, D.J. and Michael. David was a proud father and family man who was determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of his boys DJ and Michael, and his wife Martha. David and his family resided in Macon, GA for 28 years where he played an active roll in the community.  He served as a Vice President of Acquisitions Management Incorporated, President of the Middle Georgia Soccer Association, and was selected as a “Local Hero” to carry the Olympic Torch for the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta, GA. He loved to cook and share a wonderful meal that he prepared for all guests. He was best known for making his family lasagna recipe during the holidays that he would share with family and friends. David and Martha retired and moved to Sun City/Hilton Head in 2011.  He brought his compassion for community with him and served 2 terms on the Hardeeville City Council.  Hardeeville was his "Hometown" where he has provided lasting effects on the community to include the Jasper County School System, Police and Fire Protection as well as championing numerous parks and recreation facilities for families. Anyone who knew David knew that he was the most loving husband, father and “Grandpa” a family could ask for.  David was predeceased by Joseph Louis Spisso, Father, Mildred Carmella Cataldo, Mother and brother Joseph. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Martha Fondren Spisso, his sons Colonel David Joseph Spisso II (Melinda) of Savannah, GA and Michael Fondren Spisso (Juliane) of Charlotte, NC, his sister Joanne Sanders (Ray) of Austin, TX, his brothers Dr. Kenneth Spisso (Madeline) of Armstrong, British Columbia and Ron Spisso of Alsea, OR and his grandchildren Drake Frances Spisso, Alexis Fondren Spisso and Emerson Deborah Spisso of Savannah, GA and Jude Fondren Spisso, Maria Christine Spisso, Rose Elaine Spisso and Louis Michael Spisso of Charlotte, NC.

There will be a visitation at Sauls Funeral Home 90 Simmonsville Rd Bluffton, SC 29910 on Thursday, June 30th 2022 from 5pm to 7pm with a 5:30 pm Prayer Service.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church on Friday July 1st 2022 at 1030am.  The Church is located at 31 St Gregory Dr Bluffton, SC 29909.  There will a reception following the Mass in the St Gregory Parish Life Center located next to the Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in David’s honor to the Jasper County School System Technology Fund, 570 Dreamscape Drive, Bluffton, SC  29909 and the Families in Transition C/O the Antioch Educational Center PO Box 1930 Ridgeland, SC 29936.

David will be inurned at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium, Annapolis, MD this Fall.

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