Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
SPRETER
JOHN W. age 68 of Philadelphia passed away suddenly on January 9, 2003. He was the husband of both the late Margaret Callahan and the late Elizabeth Burns. Mr. Spreter retired after a 30 year career in the US Coast Guard in 1983. He served as Captain of the Port of Philadelphia for...Read MoreCaptain Spreter lived next to us on South Portland, ME, when he was stationed at the South Portland base in the 70s. He and my dad used to enjoy a beer or two in their time off. RIP commander.
Dan Clancy
July 22, 2022
When I had an interest in joining the Coast Guard, John invited me to join him for a day at Base Gloucester City NJ. He showed me around and introduced me to the folks he worked with and as a result, I now look back on almost 24 years of service in the USCG. I was proud to know him, proud to work for him, and proud to salute him one more time today. Thanks Commander, Fair Winds and Following Seas.
SCPO Dean Matthews
January 13, 2004 | Doylestown, PA
I served w/ Commander Spreter when I was a young Boatswainmate at Base Gloucester. He took me under his wing and I learned from him. I learned some bad things and a whole lot of good things, but mostly, how to be a Coast Guardsman. I owe what I am doing today to Commander Spreter, for he will forever be in my heart and in my thoughts.
Rob Schrader
January 12, 2004 | Barnegat, NJ
USCG Gloucester City 1976-1984
Port Safety with John
Douglas Dillon, USCG (RET)
January 12, 2004 | Delaware County, PA
