Carl Frank Spitale's Obituary
Carl Frank Spitale, affectionately known as “Kung Fu” or “Big Guy”, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on July 2nd at his home in Palm Coast.
Carl was born on May 12, 1948 to Ann and Basil Spitale. He grew up in Jamestown, New York. After high school, he joined the Army and after basic training was promptly sent to Vietnam. While serving his country, he was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart.
After his service, he returned to Jamestown. He worked for the City of Jamestown then began working for the United States Postal Service. The Jamestown winters grew too cold and Carl transferred to Florida where he continued to work for the Postal Service where he met his wife Dolores. They were married for 40 years. He would spend 30 years with the Postal Service before retiring in 2004, moving to Palm Coast in 2017.
Carl enjoyed going to casinos and playing the lottery but his true passion was Kung Fu. He was a lifelong practitioner of Kun Tao, a teacher, and overall supporter of the martial arts. He taught students from all over for over 50 years.
He was a generous and kind soul. His humor and wit always accompanied him wherever he went. Thanks to his family, friends, and their doggos who kept his spirits up dealing with this final challenge.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ann and Basil Spitale, as well as his brother George.
He is survived by his wife Dolores (FL), their children Michael and Carl (CA), his daughter Alyssa (AZ) and his brother Peter (Palm Beach Gardens, FL).
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to lustgarten.org for pancreatic cancer research or the Flagler Humane Society.
The Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on September 4 at 1:00 p.m.
Rest in peace.
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