Ralph Spinella

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRalph•Spinella
Used nameRalph•Spinella
Born8 May 1923 in Waterbury, Connecticut (USA)
Died7 October 2021 in Waterbury, Connecticut (USA)
Measurements180 cm / 68 kg
AffiliationsNYAC, New York (USA)
NOC United States

Biography

Ralph Spinella competed for the New York Athletic Club. He made the US Olympic team by placing second in épée at the 1960 Amateur Fencers League of America (AFLA) meet. Spinella continued to compete for many years, both in foil and épée, moving on to masters competition. He also coached fencing at Quinnipiac University. As a master, Spinella later represented the Thames River Fencing Club.

Spinella lived his entire life in Waterbury, Connecticut. He worked in the family business, Spinella’s Bakery from the age of 10 years old until his retirement in 1998. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family. He was once lost in the woods during inclement weather while hunting with his grandson and was found the following morning by a search and rescue team.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1960 Summer Olympics Fencing USA Ralph Spinella
Épée, Individual, Men (Olympic) 4 p5 r1/5
Épée, Team, Men (Olympic) United States =9
Sabre, Team, Men (Olympic) United States DNS

Special Notes