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Community celebrates ‘Spoonie’

Stephen’s father Bill Sponaugle, center, has a moment with his son Paul, left, and Paul’s wife, Kiersten. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 4, 2022

The local community came together May 3 to celebrate the life of Stephen “Spoonie” Sponaugle at Nicola Pizza on the Avenue in Rehoboth. A silent auction, raffle, music and fun were the order of the evening as friends, acquaintances and even strangers gathered on what would have been Stephen’s 41st birthday to celebrate the life of the popular local musician, chef and bartender. Proceeds from the event benefit music and performing arts programs at Rehoboth Elementary School.

Spoonie was a Class of 1999 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School. In 2001, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. Stephen worked in several area restaurants, including The Buttery and Abstractions. Most recently, he was a bartender at the Cultured Pearl and Nicola Pizza. He died suddenly April 20, 2019.

“We’re grateful that we are finally able to come together and support the music program at Rehoboth Elementary,” said Stephen’s mother Theresa Sponaugle. “Music was a huge part of his life, and we’re grateful that this event honors his life and helps a program that is so important. We’re glad some good can come from our loss.”

The event made $8,000 for the Performing Arts Program at Rehoboth Elementary School.

To donate to the cause, contact spooniebenefit@gmail.com.

 

Freshly Squeezed entertained attendees at the celebration of life for Spoonie.
Stephen’s aunt Ruth Skoglund, left, helps out at the raffle table with his mother, Theresa.
Stephen’s close friend Henry “Patrick” Fitzpatrick initiated plans for the event. “Spoonie was like a brother to me,” said Fitzpatrick.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Sally and Maria Marchegiano, Joanne Ketler, Lisa Dillon, Wendy Smith, Dawn Kasow and Mary Tapp.
Henry Wallace Fitzpatrick Jr., left, enjoys the company of his son Patrick.
Ashley Ruark sings with Freshly Squeezed.
The Kilby family attended and supported the event. Shown are (l-r) Sara, Amanda, Cam and Patrick.
Stephen’s mother, Theresa, left, has a light-hearted moment with her sister Marye Burton.
Sharing stories at the bar are (l-r) Jay Stevenson, Chester Davis and Brian McMahon.
Stephen Doxzen worked with Spoonie at the Cultured Pearl.
Mimi Walls bids on a goodie basket.
Having a great time at the bar are (l-r) Emily Popovich, Brooke Lovenstein and Samantha Malone.
Nora Bekeshka, 3, hangs on to dad Nick.
Having a fun time at the event are (l-r) Mimi Walls, Carole Smith, Trish Vernon and Charity Vernon.
Grant Willis, left, and Emily Walls enjoy dinner at the celebration.
Dalton Crouse, left, worked with Spoonie at the Cultured Pearl and Jake Townsend frequented the establishment with them.
Theresa Sponaugle’s brother Carl Colantuono sells raffle tickets for the event.
Stephen’s mother Theresa, left, credits her close friend Anna Marsh with helping to organize the event.
The birthday cake shared the feelings of everyone in attendance. CHARITY VERNON PHOTO

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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