Kenneth R. “Tony” Spagnolini passed unexpectedly from complications after surgery in Seattle on Thursday, April 8, 2010.

He was the eldest of eight children, born to Geralda Manjerrez and Leo Spagnolini in San Francisco, Calif. on July 21, 1936. He attended Analy Union High School in Sebastopol, Calif.

He is survived by his younger siblings Geraldine Spagnolini, Joanna Spagnolini, Sandra Simonetta, Mark Tgrudzinski, Donald Spagnolini, Harlan Varner and Martha Mills.

Tony was in the Marine Corps from April 1954 to August 1967, attaining the rank of gunnery sergeant. During that time, he spent 10 years overseas in Japan, with a tour in Vietnam.

While in Japan, he met the love of his life, Kiyoko. They were married and had four children: Joanne, Jiro, Tony and Louie Spagnolini. Kiyoko preceded him in death.

Eventually, Tony moved to Whidbey Island, where he became active in many community organizations, including the Beverly Beach community, Marine Corps League, and Military Order of the Devil Dogs, Veteran of Foreign Wars, South Whidbey Shrine Club, Eagles, Masonic Lodge, Neptune Society and the Disabled American Veterans.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club, 3334 E. Brooks Hill Road, Langley. (Dinner at the club will be available.)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for high school scholarships through the Marine Corps League; for information visit http://www.MCL1210.org.