Tampa, FL/Dansville, NY: At age 33, Ali passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at her home in Tampa, FL. She was born on April 21, 1990 in Rochester, NY to parents John and Leesa Spitler. Ali is survived by her son, Jett Austin; her parents John and Leesa Spitler; her sister, Samantha Spitler; and her grandmother, Merrilee Kuhn. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, James (Eileen) Spitler, Ginger (Joe) Martino, Heidi (Victor) DeRose, and Heather Middleton and many cousins. She is predeceased by her grandparents, George and Marjorie (Middleton) Spitler and Thomas B. Kuhn, as well as her uncle Thomas R. Kuhn. She is also predeceased by her beloved French bulldog, Spartacus.
Ali was a graduate of Dansville Central School class of 2008. While in school, she participated in band, chorus, and the yearly musicals. Ali graduated from SUNY Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2012 with honors. She worked as a drug and alcohol counselor at CASA before she moved to Tampa, FL in 2014 where she continued this work until the birth of her son in 2021.
Born just 13 months apart, Ali and her sister, Samantha, were known as the Spitler sisters growing up with one blonde and one brunette. Their sister bond meant the world to both of them. Playing with barbies (which Ali hated), sneaking into each other’s rooms for sleepovers, long sister talks, and trips for sister visits are just a few of the things that will be remembered.
Ali will be remembered for her love of dancing, her witty sense of humor, her sparkling green eyes, and her inability to be on time. Although she lived across the street from her school, she was known for her mad dashes to get to school on time and her excuses for appointments, written by her mother, when she didn’t want to be counted as tardy. She was the best card and letter writer which were all so thoughtful, tear inducing and gave people the push they needed. She told the best stories that would make anyone laugh with her sarcastic sense of humor. She always wanted to make sure people around her were having a good time and were happy.
Ali wanted to be a mom for a few years before she was able to bring Jett into the world, her greatest joy, in 2021. She loved teaching Jett new words and sign language. Jett loved when his Mama chased him and did the dinosaur roar or played peek-a-boo with the kitchen cupboards. Ali wanted to raise a kind, caring, and gentle person just like herself. Jett now has the best guardian angel there is.
Ali will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4-6PM on Friday, August 4th, at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia, NY, where Ali’s Memorial Service will follow calling hours at 6pm. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions for Jett’s College Fund may be made C/O Leesa Spitler, PO Box 307, Dansville, NY 14437. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Sending our condolences to the Spitler family. This news was devastating to us as we have many fond memories of Ali and thought the world of her. She was a beautiful student and person inside and out.
Sending condolescenses to the Spitlers and all affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. I remember in high school you were always so kind to everyone around you. I remember the musicals, the marching band concerts, and your beautiful eyes of course. You have touched so many lives and your legacy will continue to live. Praying for the family.
I just don’t know how to wrap my head around this news. I’m sorry we lost touch and even more heartbroken to know that this world will be missing your kindness and beautiful smile. You were the very first person to give us the most beautiful baby girl outfit for our daughter Charlotte, delivered from Florida. You were so thoughtful, kind and gentle spirited. I loved to hang out with you! We both wanted to be Moms and had that in common. I am heartbroken. My heart and the world will not be the same without you. We will never understand your untimely departure from us.
To all of Ali’s family and friends- we are thinking of you and praying for you.
Leesa, I remember having Ali and Sam coming to my house for sleepovers with Tara and just so polite and full of laughter. I always enjoyed having them here. I’m beyond words to tell you how sorry I am for such a loss of a wonderful young lady.
I’m sending You, John and Sam many hugs and prayers through this very difficult time.
Our condolences on your loss. Words at this time become meaningless in a tragic loss of a child. I can only focus on the memories of Ali and my Michelle growing up and the time they spent together. She was a good friend to Michelle. She will missed by many.
I am sorry to hear about Ali’s passing. Your family is in my prayers.
We are so sorry for the loss of this vibrant young mom, daughter, and sister. She was a sweet girl as I knew her as a student at elementary school.. Our hearts go out to you as you travel this life without your precious daughter. A soul lost too soon.
I am so very sorry for this horrific loss. My heart aches for your grief. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for the loss of this beautiful person. You are all in our thoughts
I just remember your two little girls chasing each other a giggling, having so much fun together! Ali will be greatly missed. Sending you many prayers.