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FUNERAL HOME

Lupinski Funeral Home, Inc.

11 Wooster Place

New Haven, Connecticut

John Spehar Obituary

SPEHAR, JOHN A. John Anthony Spehar, a 30 year resident of New Haven passed away suddenly on Tuesday October 15, 2013 at Norwalk Hospital. John is the husband of Stacy Roy Spehar, father of Holly Spehar of Boston, MA, Kelly Spehar of East Haven, Hunter Spehar of New Haven, Gage Salicki of Worcester, MA, and Anastasia and Marina Salicki of New Haven. He also leaves behind his father Emil Spehar of Niantic, brothers Joseph Villa of New York and Mark Spehar of Niantic, his former wife Susan Plant of Summerville SC, and his in-laws, Bertrand and Lorraine Roy of Plantsville. He was predeceased by his mother Barbara McCabe Spehar. John was a tremendously devoted father, husband, friend and son. John was passionate about sports. He was chief clinician for USA Boxing CT and also served as Vice President. He was a State of Connecticut Professional Ring Announcer, a 5th degree black belt in Korean American Tang Su Do and 4th degree black belt in Kyo-mushin ryu Jiu-jitsu. An international boxer and kickboxer, he was a New England Golden Glove finalist and CT Middle Weight State Champion under the tutelage of trainer Johnny Duke. John graduated from SCSU Honors College with a degree in 18th Century French History and was a collector of books and a member of the American Historical Society. He was a patron of the Mark Twain House in Hartford. John's passion for sports motivated him to continue to train fighters under John Spehar Boxing. He loved hockey, especially his Bruins, the Red Sox and while a Patriots fan, waited patiently for Buffalo to have their year. He also attended many local games with his wife and children. To honor John and his Jersey Night Celebrations, please wear your favorite Jersey during calling hours at LUPINSKI FUNERAL HOME 821 State Street, New Haven on TUESDAY from 4 until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Stanislaus Church WEDNESDAY at 10 a.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mark Twain House and Museum, c/o The John Spehar Memorial Fund, 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. Sign John's guest book at www.lupinskifuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Oct. 19 to Oct. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Spehar

18 Entries

Stacy Spehar

November 13, 2013

vous et nul autre

November 5, 2013

"Tu m'as manque toujours. Je T'aime mon Cher"

Diane Bruno

November 4, 2013

It was an honor and pleasure having met and work with John. A great guy, with a great smile and sense of humor! My deepest sympathies to Stacy and the entire Spehar family.

Elle Fagan

November 2, 2013

Be Comforted - it is not fair to say goodbye to this man before 100 birthdays. I met the Spehar poeple doing my art for them and they enriched my life and my art and their gift helped Mark Twain House and Museum's "right thru a blizzard gala" . I have been told that my Family crest image cross I did was shown at the funeral - I am glad it was there for him and for all of you. He is at peace and he'd want us to find our best lights again , too! "May the Road Rise To Meet ye!" Farewell, friend and client.

Elle

p.s. I am here for his family. My writings on grief and grief recovery are published and learned from the sudden and 'way too young death of my husband of almost 20 years. Our children and myself are fine and more than fine, from having shared life with him all those years. His lights go on to empower us for the very best. May it be so for you who grieve today. ellefgandotcom to find me.

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Richie M

October 27, 2013

Journey well John, thank you!

Mrs. Stacy Spehar

October 24, 2013

My love, you lit up my world like no one else and while I still talk to you constantly, not much has changed - you're a boy - you never listen :) But I can still hear you yelling my name across the house for the littlest things, singing Sweet Caroline with all the kids at Red Sox games, wandering libraries to find just the right book, quiet nights together, great parties, dressing up for the Mark Twain gala, never being without diet coke, and having you bleeped out on NBC Sports for your potty mouth on live TV. What I will miss the most is curling up in your arms. You filled my life with the greatest memories, and while you were taken too soon you were the best husband and father anyone could ask for, and you denied me nothing. Vous et nul autre -

October 23, 2013

John - I didn't know you that long but I really enjoyed the times we did talk. You will be missed, my friend.

- Tim Lettelleir

October 23, 2013

Rest in Peace, John

Usha Carr, New Haven Boxing

October 22, 2013

You have NO idea, how many lives you have touched, how much you will be missed and how much you are loved. Keep tabs on all you children and the myriad of your fans! You are a fascinating man John F Spehar.

Sharonda Linen

October 22, 2013

God Bless You John , I know your making the angels laugh.You will be missed.
Rest peacefully

heather Frodsham

October 21, 2013

French never would have been as fun without you! You had a tough exterior and the heart of a saint. May you have peace.

October 21, 2013

R.I.P. My Friend, still can't believe you're gone but the memories will always be here, we've had some great times my friend,,,,

Carole Simpson

October 20, 2013

My heart breaks for Holly, Kelly and Hunter. I am so sorry for all of your loss! So many fond and wonderful memories of Johnny Kitty I just can't believe he is gone.

Cathy & Dan Petriw

October 20, 2013

My family & I met John when he was working for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. We immediately loved him & his amazing personality! He was so kind to me, my husband, sister & niece. He was a pleasure to know & we're grateful to have met him. Sending all of our thoughts, prayers and support to his family & friends! We will always remember him!!!

Mona Hollums

October 20, 2013

Rest in peace, John.

Stacey Borzillo

October 20, 2013

Words cannot express my sadness at the loss of my friend Fancy. He was defiantly a one of a kind, a rare find in a person. Genuine in nature, truly a gentle giant. I will miss hearing "Hello Sunshine!" and our bunnies. Truly taken before your time. God bless you my friend, I will miss you dearly.

karson murray

October 20, 2013

I send my love to you guys and god will be praying for you with this rough time your going through. i love you guys !

Beth DeLancy

October 20, 2013

When I think of John, I can only smile. I have fond memories of his martial arts studio. He was so brave to teach a group of women martial arts. He not only managed our "girl-ness" attitudes and joking, but he was able to use it to be even funnier. We actually learned martial arts skills, he was truly a very intelligent and master teacher. John was a dynamic person who adored his kids. I am so sorry for your loss Holly, Kelly, Hunter and all his family.

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