Obituary of Roland D. Spiotta

On August 4th, Roland Spiotta died peacefully in Maplewood after receiving communion with his daughters at home. He was ten days from his 99th birthday. Born in East Orange, Roland grew up in South Orange and graduated from Columbia High School. He attended Brown University in Rhode Island where he met his loving bride, Esther Moskos, who died peacefully in June 2022. Roland was a World War II veteran who served in the United States Coast Guard.

The proud patriarch of a large and loving family, Roland is survived by his four children, Georgia Mentzer, Sharon Donna Jones, Joseph Spiotta, and Elisabeth Kravitz; his six grandchildren Cristina Bonfiglio, Stephanie Jones, Joseph Edward Spiotta, William Spiotta, Max Kravitz, and Sammy Kravitz; his great grandchildren Francesca and Daniela Bonfiglio, and Jonah and Trevor Spiotta; his beloved daughter-in-law Chi Spiotta and sons-in-law Paul Jones and Dean Kravitz; and his grandson-in-law Jason Bonfiglio and granddaughter-in-law Alyssa Spiotta. In 1998, Roland was predeceased by his beloved son-in-law Barry Mentzer and by his brothers Bertrand and Robert Spiotta.

Roland found his spiritual home at St. George’s Church where he enjoyed fellowship, taught Sunday School, served on the vestry, and changed countless lives by helping to activate the healing ministry throughout his community. Together with his wife Esther he was instrumental in creating the first St. George’s Youth Group, enjoyed hosting “Dinners for Eight,” and participated in many vibrant church community activities and traditions. 

Roland was both a pragmatist and a dreamer who succeeded in real estate development and finance. A visionary who founded the Spiotta Brothers Company with his brother Robert, Roland was known for his grit and determination, and his ability to recognize potential in the most unlikely places and situations.

Although a New Jerseyan at heart, Roland was also a Cape Codder who spent countless summers in his Osterville home, and could always be found at Dowses Beach at 4:30 after the crowds and lifeguards had left. Crossing the bridge to the Cape always cleared his mind, freed his spirit, and prepared him for his many Cape Cod gatherings of friends and family. 

Roland was comforted by the outpouring of love from family and friends in his final days.    

His optimism, zest for life, and love of family and friends will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM at St. George’s Church in Maplewood on Monday, August 12. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. George’s Rector’s Discretionary Fund.

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