Joseph Allen Acri, 49 of Spearfish, SD passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 at Rapid City Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Vigil services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish

Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30a.m.on Friday, December 11, 2009 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Tim Hoag as Celebrant, inurnment will take place in the spring at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.

Joe was born on May 12th, 1960, in Chicago Illinois. He attended and graduated from Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana in 1978. He then obtained his degree in electronics from ITT Tech in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over the years Joe has held a variety of jobs in the electronics field. For the past six years he had been employed by the Spearfish School District.

Joe had many hobbies. He had a keen interest in and great knowledge of astronomy, fast cars, and football, especially the Indianapolis Colts. A lifelong bachelor, Joe was a man of few words, with a kind heart and a gentle soul. He is survived by his parents, George and Carol Acri, of Spearfish, his sister Jane Skvicalo, of Spearfish, nephews, Jesse and Jarek Skvicalo, of Minneapolis, MN and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He also survived by his very special "Michigan family", who were all so very near and dear to his heart.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the backpack program at the Spearfish Middle School would wonderfully honor the memory of Joe's many years of dedication to the welfare of his middle school students.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at: www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com