Well-known former doctor Spagnolo dies at 81

Shakopee Valley News

For 48 years, Shakopee families could see Anthony Spagnolo for medical care.

The doctor retired at age 76 in 2012 and died Sept. 3 at his home in Shakopee.

Spagnolo graduated from Loyola Medical School and worked in public health service before moving to Shakopee and becoming a family physician. In the early days of his career, Spagnolo would do house calls.

"He's just a kind, good, human being all the way around," neighbor Shirley Reitmeier said in a 2012 article about Spagnolo's retirement after decades serving Shakopee.

Spagnolo was heavily involved with the community, participating in Rotary International and serving as First National Bank of Shakopee director.

In 2012, Spagnolo received the Twin Cities Medical Society Charles BollesBolles-Roger Award honoring physicians of excellence who demonstrate "achievement or leadership in medicine, contributions to clinical care, teaching and/or research" and are "considered to be an outstanding physical by his or her peers," according to the society's website.

Spagnolo also received the St. Francis Regional Medical Center Physician Touchstone Award.

Spagnolo is survived by his wife, two children, two grandchildren and a brother.

According to his obituary, he "loved his family, his cabin in Northern Minnesota and a big bowl of spaghetti."

Visitations for Spagnolo will be Sept. 8 at McNearny-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation from 4 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 9 at the Parish Center of St. Mark at 9 a.m., followed by a service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Saints Healthcare Funds, Shakopee Rotary Club or Shakopee Dollars for Scholars.