In 1964, John Spinello invented an electric game where the object was to insert a metal wand into holes in the top layer of the board  without touching the edges of the openings. If you failed to have a steady hand, a buzzer would sound and startle you with great delight.  John sold his game to a toy invention firm for $500. The game was then licensed to Milton Bradley, modified and released  a year later as the game we all love.

Over the years, the game of Operation has become a favorite to millions and entertained and delighted generations of people. John went into the warehouse business in Chicago and watched over the decades as the little electric game he designed spawned everything from socks, boxer shorts, purses, shower curtains, neck ties, greeting cards, and, of course, scores of licensed editions of Operation, including versions featuring Iron Man, Hulk, Shrek, The Simpsons, Star Wars, Cars and more.

Much has changed in 50 years. Although John only took home $500 from the many-million-selling global sensation that Operation has become, he’s content. He’s had a good life, but has admitted to us that he is struggling to pay his bills and is in need of a medical procedure  without sufficient insurance coverage.  We launched this site to call on anyone who has ever played and loved Operation to send John a note and maybe, a $3 gift of appreciation.

You can also give a gift over at our Crowdrise Funraiser for John at:  https://www.crowdrise.com/HelpfortheInventorofOperation

Thank you for showing your love and appreciation to John and his family. Please consider sharing this site with your friends and family.

Playing Well with Others,

Dear John, Tonight’s episode of the CW hit #The Flash included the characters playing #Operation. I tweeted the #CW w/a photo that included the game & the Flash w/comment “Let’s get the inventor of Operation an operation” Fingers crossed they’ll see it and donate :)Wishing you all the best!  –  @showcapricalove

It is Honor to Give Back I am Humbled and Thank You for My Child Hood memories , Baby Boomer  –  Christian

Thanks for a great lifetime of Operation.  My sister and I played together 40 some years ago and my girls play it together now.  In fact, there is a game somewhere in our playroom right now.  I have to admit, the buzzer was a lot less annoying 40 years ago!  Thanks for the memories.  

Dear John, I hope your surgery goes well. I bought one of the games. I enjoyed it SO much as a kid…I played it with my kids…and now my daughter is a doctor! Thanks for YOUR invention, YOUR game. And best of health to you.

What a wonderful a wonderful gift you have given the world with this game. It has always been one of my favorites! Sending prayers up for you Sir.   –  K.M

Everybody I know has played Operation, myself included. It goes hand n hand with Checkers and Monopoly. It’s a part of life. Oh yea, that’s a game too. Lot’s of luck, I hope you enjoy the rest of your life to the fullest with family and friends .  –  Vicki Gillick

John, I know how expensive oral surgery can be. I am currently paying off my own oral surgery, but I can’t wait to receive my signed classic version of your game. I wish you only the best and thank you for the great times I had playing this when I was a kid. I will also turn 50 next year.

I got your game as a gift during a hospitalization when I was a child. It kept me company. Thank you! I ordered a signed copy  

Thank you for creating a game that was played for many game nights in our home growing up!

Dear John, I am so happy I came across this article. I just purchased the anniversary operation game. Thank you for inventing a toy which has brought so much fun to my child hood. My children are in college but I will pass this on to them as a part of American History! Thank you so much! All the best to you and your family for many years to come!  – Diana

Dear John, How lovely it is to hear your story, to meet the person who created this fantastic wonderful game.  I loved playing, my kids loved playing it.. it’s brilliant,  it’s sooo much fun trying to pick up the pieces without setting off the buzzer, it develops skill, hand and eye coordination, fine motor skills so not only is it FUN but it is also a fantastic educational tool  and will be loved and enjoyed by many generations to come.   I deeply feel for your situation, that the toy company ripped you off, .. it’s such a shame you didn’t have more life experience and wisdom at that time to not allow them to steal your clever idea/invention so easily.  It’s NOT RIGHT, you should have earned millions of dollars in Royalties from that game. Anyway’s  it was very moving to hear your story,  you are a genius, verrrry clever .. and all kids just LOVE the game Operation.  I am sending you a donation, I hope you raise enough to not only help you to afford your surgery but hopefully a lot more to help you live a more fullfilling lifestyle as you deserve. Best wishes! p.s. OOps I forgot to say a BIG THANKYOU for your creative idea, for making this game possible for all to enjoy….  – Di   ( Newcastle, NSW Australia)

Dear John, I am 38 and still love to play Operation! My little one is 8 and loves the game, too. Thank you for the great contribution you have made to family games.  Wishing you the best in health! – T & H, Dallas, TX

G’day John, We love your game over here in Australia. I still have my game from growing up but have recently bought the Minion version for my Minion obsessed son.  Would love an autographed copy from you so have emailed to see if possible to have one shipped here. Have just donated some Aussie dollars for you I hope you raise what you need and more to get better. Cheers – Lisa Byrnes – Dubbo Australia

Do not worry your Father in heaven knows your needs. May God Bless you and may the owners of the game go ahead and open their pocket books to help assist you with your medical care.

Hi, John… I just saw the info on your needed surgery. I am 73 & my Hubby is 78. Just That You Came Up With this great Game And Now Need surgery Is Enough For Us To Help. If You Wind Up With More Money Than You Need…enjoy it! – Chuck & MaryAnna Smith

Dear John, I am 58 yrs. old and remember, vividly, playing Operation with my brother and friends! Perhaps that’s what lead me to become a Certified Oral Surgery Assistant and later a Registered Nurse!?  Thanks for the fun!  You will be in my prayers. I have no doubt that your surgery will be fully funded very soon. Thank you for the opportunity to show that we care. – Kerry Oceanside, CA

John, thank you for creating this wonderful campaign! I wish you well on your upcoming surgery. Hopefully you will reach your goal. I’m donating today!

Dear John, I wish you the best of luck on your surgery.  My cousin had this game when I was a kid, and I wanted it so badly.  When I was an adult, I finally received one from my husband.  I was thrilled.  I introduced it to my children, who always killed their patient, and eventually lost my bones.  Whenever I’m in the game aisle, I look at Operation longingly.  There is no doubt, it’s my very favorite game.   Thank-you for your very clever invention.  May your dentist be easier on you than most of us were on our ‘patient’.   Blessings,  – Chris

Thank you Sir for a wonderful fun game and wonderful memories.  Prayers and thoughts to you for health.  Telling all I know to spread the word.  Here’s hoping the media gets involved.

Dear John, I loved playing Operation as a kid, it taught me where many of the bones etc in my body are. I always struggled to get the Adams Apple out. And every time I hit my funny bone I always think of Operation. Hoping you raise enough for the operation.  – Kristina x

Hey I think its could be a good idea to develop an App for Iphone or Android with the concept of the game and sell it, that would be a great form to get the funds that John require, let see if any App developer help us!! – David Borloz, Costa Rica. Central America.

Dear John, My prayers are with you. I had oral surgery for tonsil cancer five years ago.   Just the radiation alone was 5,000 out of pocket.  Our medical system is insane.  Even with insurance coverage.  Hang in there. The best is yet to come.  I played Operation and now my granddaughter Felicity plays the game. Two generations.

Dear John,  I loved your game growing up. My sister and I could play it for hours. Thank you for your invention and for the great memories. Wishing you all the best.  –  Amy Reverdy, Toulouse, France

Dear John, ♥ I read the HuffPost article about your needed surgery RIGHT AFTER reading about the (censored adjective here) new owner of the basketball team who’s getting a $1 billion tax break on his $2 billion team purchase.  Sick. All while you, and many others who actually give back to the world–specifically to CHILDREN, are having trouble paying to keep themselves and family healthy.  As a child of the pre- cable/ satellite/internet/cell phone  ’70s (great decade!), games like yours were SO FUN to have. Many, many of us appreciate your creativity and invention and will do what we can to help. Thank thank you and WE GOT YOUR BACK! ♥  –  Becky STL MO

“John, I think you are my great uncle. My mom’s uncle (Margaret (Davis) Eanos. I recently had major surgery and I realize how costly it can be. I am not a rich man but if I can I will try and scrounge up some money to donate. I’d like to give more that requested. I hope you get the surgery you need. Take care,   –  Darryl Eanos

“Dear John, You seem like a great guy and it really annoys me how unfair people get can treated – it seems designers, who have the skills to create new product, seem to be last on the list to get rewarded. As a new toy inventor, I hope to learn from your experience and not get trapped into selling off something for less than it’s worth. I’ll be donating and I hope you get better. Thanks.”  –  Adam

“Thank you for a great idea that gave me years of fun as a kid and now even more fun with my own children!  Here’s to many…many more years to the fun of Operation!!!”

 – Reyna-Glaser Family

“Dear John, Thank you for inventing an incredibly fun game!  You have no doubt brought tons of joy and laughter to children and families all over the world.  The world is so lucky that you created this electrifying game! Best wishes,”   – Joyce Johnson

“Dear John, We are so proud to have known you at Austin High School in Chicago, IL.  All of our Grandchildren have played the game Operation and we have bragged that we actually know the man who invented the game.  They all enjoyed your game very much.  Thanks for helping make fun for many young and old kids.” – Mike and Nancy Pasquerelli

Dear John, Many, many thanks for all the hours of fun you gave us. Growing in Kenya in the 60s, played Operation with my siblings, one of whom went on to become a doctor. A little worrying given that he never won the game! With love from a huge fan and fellow game designer.” – Leslie Scott, Oxford UK

“Just contributed John! I have met your sweet supporters Peggy and Tim, but don’t KNOW them. How fabulous that those who love and admire you are stepping up to the plate to tangibly head this campaign to help. OPERATION was a very favorite game from my childhood and that of all 4 of my children! Inventors impact us and our lives and hope others will show their appreciation for your huge contribution! Sending prayers for full recovery!” – Randy in Atlanta

“Dear John, Read the latest and responding. Wish things were easier for you. Hope you are doing well. We sent out information to many who will respond after I heard from Tim and Peggy. Meanwhile, hang in there and take it easy. You created something special and unforgetable–its a game that keeps on giving. Take care.” – Stevanne Dr Toy

“Dear John, Thank you for bringing me some of my best moments as a kid, playing Operation with my brothers and sisters. What a hoot. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery from anything that ails you…I hope those doctors get word of your very special invention that probably inspired some of them to become doctors! I’m sure it’s one of the reasons I became a game inventor. Cheers to you,” – Colleen McCarthy-Evans

“John, I met you in line for Tim’s Toyland film a several years ago at the Sarasota Film Festival. I was honored to have met you. You are a fascinating part of American toy history, and you have touched millions of lives through your invention of OPERATION.” – Jim

“Hi papa it’s Jacob your grandson this is cool” – Jacob

“Thank YOU for creating such a fun game. I loved it as a kid and now my kids love it!”  – Wade