Spiros Paul Pina

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Pina, Spiros Paul 7/14/73 - 3/17/09 Spiro's mighty 4-year fight against glioblastoma multiforme, the worst kind of brain tumor, ended St. Patrick's Day night at his Minneapolis home. He was 35. Beside Spiro as he died, as she has been every step of the way, was his wife, Meritxell Mondejar Pont, and their daughter Eulalia, just 3. Also with Spiro, of course, were his parents, Paula and Paul Gleeson of St. Paul and Christos Pinas of Corfu, Greece; brothers Alex, Sam, Abe Gleeson, and grandmother Winnie. Only missing were sister, Molly, now gone 3 years, and Meritxell's family, holding vigil in Barcelona. In a world of overstatement, Spiro was a modest hero. A two-time Olympian for Greece - luge! - he also played tennis beautifully - a lefty! - and made everything he did look easy. He spoke five languages, knew music, movies and math, and was among the earliest i-phone adopters. He also was an environmentalist, committed to preserving nature and world resources. But Spiro's finest gift was living life simply and loving with all his heart, even in difficult times. Eulalia, especially, brought him such joy. The international network of friends and family that walked beside Spiro and Meritxell through happiness and sorrow will forever hold dear Spiro's grace and spirit. Visitation is 4- 8 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-228-1006, and at church one hour before Mass. Mass 11 a.m. Monday, March 23, at St. Joan of Arc, 4537 3rd Ave S., Mpls. Memorials for Eulalia to Spiro Pina Family Irrevocable Trust, Wells Fargo Bank, 2145 Ford Pkwy, Suite 102, St. Paul, MN 55116 (Account #1660150614). Or a donation in Spiro's name to American Brain Tumor Association, abta.org.

Published on March 20, 2009