Peter William Spell

Spell, Peter William age 90, of Minneapolis. Born in Minneapolis; graduated West High School, 1936. Entered the military service before World War II and earned a commission in the Navy. Already activated and aboard a transport when Pearl Harbor was attacked. In 1944 was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy Post- Graduate School in Annapolis, MD. Married Joan Chresand same year. Following World War II, played a major role in reorganizing the Minneapolis Surface Naval Reserve. During the early Aquatennial events, Peter could be seen leading his battalion on the parade route in downtown Minneapolis. Attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Recalled into the service during the Korean conflict and served as Commanding Officer of the Norfolk Naval Reserve Training Center, Virginia. Retired from the Navy with the rank of Commander. Employed by Northern States Power Co. for 31 years. Upon retirement was General Manager, Energy Management. Was a Registered Professional Engineer. Was NSP's representative for B.O.M.A. (Building, Owners, Managers Assoc.) Was national chairman of the Edison Industrial Sales Committee. Was Masonic member of the Cataract Lodge and past member of Zuhrah Shrine. Past commander and life member of American Legion Hellenic Post and past adjutant of Fifth District American Legion. Served as president of two church boards, St. George Greek Orthodox Church of St. Paul and St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church of Minneapolis. Until age 80 he swam one mile every other day for over 35 years. Enjoyed travel, fishing, and concerts, with a special passion for Italian opera. Preceded in death by parents, William and Angeline Speliopoulos. Survived by wife of 63 years, Joan; daughters, Sandi (Dick) Brown of Burnsville and Mary (Kim) Rice of St. Airy, Maryland; grandchildren, Jason (Marta Sibirica) Brown of St. Paul, Kelli Rice and David Rice of Mt. Airy, Maryland; great-granddaughter, Nadine Brown of St. Paul; sister, Nikki Gochis of Tooele, Utah; brother, Harry (Angie) Spell of Edina; cousins, nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dick Brown, to the families of special nephews George, Jim and Tom Chresand, and to good friend Luke Angelus for their loving support and assistance during Peter's declining years. If so desired, memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church or donor's choice. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Funeral service 11:00 AM Wed., Nov. 28 at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave. S., Minneapolis, with visitation 1 hour before service at church and also 4-7 PM Tues. (TODAY) with prayer service 7 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.