Spiro "Spike" J. Yotides Obituary (1928

SPIRO JAMES YOTIDES 1928 – 2021 Spiro (Spike) Yotides, of Waterville, Maine, passed away peacefully at Maine General Hospital in Augusta on June 26, 2021 after a brief illness. Spike was born in Winslow, Maine, son of Olga and James Yotides on June 20, 1928. Spike graduated from Winslow High School in 1946 where he was a three-sport athlete – football, basketball and baseball - and he always worn his lucky number 13 on all his jerseys! As Spike was a stand-out athlete, he earned two scholarships to attend both Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield and Oak Grove-Coburn School in Vassalboro. Spike was drafted into the Army in 1950 and served during the Korean War. On Valentine’s Day in 1954 Spike married Gerrie Rackleff. Together they raised three children – Tim, Tony and Kelly. They were married for 66 years before Gerrie’s death in 2020. Spike was a well-known car dealer in Waterville for over 28 years. He was employed by Furbush Chevrolet in Waterville for years, and later with Frame Chevrolet also in Waterville. In 1982, Spike semi-retired, and would be seen at Christy’s Country Store in Belgrade, a business he shared with his two sons. As Spike was an avid sports fan, he never missed any of his sons’ games and even was often seen at their practices! He was always heard in the stands yelling words of encouragement (or yelling at a coach or an official!). He was very loyal to both the Patriots and Red Sox, and even got his wife Gerrie to become a dedicated follower of the Red Sox. In his later years, he became a golf enthusiast and played several area courses around Waterville. He was especially keen of Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro and Belgrade Lakes Golf Course. He participated in every one of the 10 Patriot’s Day Open tournaments at Belgrade Lakes Golf Course with his sons, Tim and Tony, and son-in-law, Jeff, rounding out his foursome. Spike attended several of Engelbert Humperdinck concerts with his wife, Gerrie, who was a huge fan of the singer. Although he wouldn’t admit it, he too became a fan! In addition, Spike and Gerrie went to Las Vegas, Foxwoods and Atlantic City whenever they could. Gerrie loved the shows and entertainment while Spike would often be spotted at a poker table. Gerrie and Spike were regulars at the Friday night BBQ at the Elks Club and had lots of good times with their many friends. Spike was predeceased by his wife Gerrie, his parents, Olga and James Yotides, and brothers George, Thomas and Antonio. He is survived by his sister Maria Yotides; his two sons Anthony Yotides and his wife Tonia, and Timothy Yotides and his wife Lori; his daughter Kelly Johnston and her husband Jeffrey. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Christy Yotides, Jenna Yotides and fiancé Chad LePage, Kara Simmons and her husband Jake, Ryan Johnston and his fiancé Taylor Murphy, Spiro Yotides and Jordan Stolt. Spike was also fortunate enough to enjoy many fun times with his two great grandchildren, Isabella Allarie and Kayden Lane; as well as several nieces, nephews and close friends. Spike will be remembered for his quiet disposition and his quick one-liners. He was very giving and generous – he was selfless and always put others before himself. Tim, Tony and Kelly would especially like to thank Scott McManaman and the entire staff at Bedside Manor in Oakland for their exceptional care of Spike this past year. The attention and compassion they showed “Spikey” was truly outstanding. A committal service will be held on July 20, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road in Augusta. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home in Waterville. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video gallery and share your condolences with Spike’s family.