Spinnati services Sunday at NRHS

Diana Spinnati will be remembered in a memorial service Sunday, Dec. 2 at the place she held dearest: New Richmond High School.

Visitation for Ms. Spinnati, who died Nov. 23 at the age of 58 from pancreatic cancer, will be from 1-5 p.m. following by a memorial service at 5 p.m. in the New Richmond High School gymnasium.

Diana Spinnati holds a lion shaped
desk fan presented to her by the
NREVSD transportation department.

“She had a tremendous impact on the students and staff of NRHS for many years,” said Supt. Adam Bird. “She will be remembered fondly by former students who graduated, or moved on to success in college or career because of her influence.”

Ms. Spinnati was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last January and went on medical leave to undergo treatment. She returned for the month of May and presided over the graduation of the Class of 1012 and then went on permanent medical leave. She last visited the high school on Oct. 5 for the volleyball team’s Spikes for Spinnati game to benefit cancer research.

“Ms. Spinnati was dedicated to the staff and students at New Richmond High School,’ said Mark Bailey, who followed Ms. Spinnati as principal at NRHS. “It’s truly a great loss to our learning community.”

Ms. Spinnati began her career with New Richmond Schools in 1998 when she was hired as principal at New Richmond Middle School. She served as an assistant superintendent in 2003 for 18 months until being named principal at New Richmond High School.

Prior to her career with New Richmond schools, Ms. Spinnati spent 13 years in public education as a teacher for nine years with Mansfield City Schools and as an assistant principal at Talawanda City Schools for four years. 

A 1972 graduate of Wapakoneta High School, Ms. Spinnati attended Wright State University for three years before transferring to Bluffton College where she earned a degree in business education. She received her Masters in Education from Ashland University in 1994.

Ms. Spinnati was the daughter of Joseph Spinnati (Mary) and the late Waneta Kuntz and sister to Frank Spinnati (Sandy) and James Spinnati (Judy) and step sister of Cheryl Iiames; sister-in-law to Vicki Spinnati; aunt to six nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews. She was a special friend to Carol Ann Coulter, Terri Flamm, Becky Lewis and Christen Davis. She was preceded in death by brothers Alan and Greg Spinnati.

Memorials may be made to the Diana M. Spinnati Memorial Scholarship Fund 1131 Bethel New Richmond Rd. New Richmond Oh, 45157. The E.C. Nurre Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

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