Nicholas P. Speno Jr.

AUBURN - After a courageous battle with cancer, Nicholas (Nick) P. Speno, Jr., 72, left this earth on the wings of angels to travel to his permanent home on Friday, June 25, 2010. Nick was a lifelong resident of Auburn. During Nick's short time on this earth he was a devout member of Saint Hyacinth Parish since 1957. Nick was an intricate member of the Parish Finance Committee and devoted his time to the Saint Hyacinth's Annual Parish Picnic. Nick was a true family man and leaves behind many happy memories he shared with his wife of 53 years, Bobbie Ann; his son, Mike Speno and his wife, Sue; his daughter, Janet Speno-Bodner and her husband, Steve; his sisters, Ellen and Margaret Speno; his grandchildren, Mike Gauthier, Michele Whipple and her husband, Chris, Stephanie Speno, Matthew Gauthier and his partner, Jenna DeLapp, Nicky Speno, and Mary Bodner; his step-grandchildren, Jimmy and Greg DeChick, Sara DeChick Casper and her husband, Tim; great-grandchildren, Jordan Whipple, Connor Gauthier, Angel Gauthier, Gavin Gauthier; his brother-in-law, Stanley (Butchie) Casbarro and his wife, Joanne; his niece, Terri Casbarro; his nephew, Jimmy Casbarro and his wife, Tina; great-niece and nephew, Jimmy and Jamie Casbarro; and his beloved family dog Buddy. Nick also shared extraordinary memories with his dear cousin, Eddie Speno, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Nick had many stories and tales of the times he shared with his golfing, church, work and military friends. Nick was an extremely devoted member of the United States Armed Forces. He served for 43 wonderful years in the United States Air Force Reserves beginning in May of 1955. Nick began his military career in the 108th Tactical Control Squadron/Tactical Control Flight Heavy. Nick transferred to the 152nd Tactical Group and completed his active service to the country by achieving the prestigious rank of senior master sergeant. Upon retirement from the United States Air Force, Nick devoted his military time to the New York State Guard serving as a member of the Joint Staff and achieving the rank of major. Nick's professional career was two-fold. He worked as a logistical engineer with more than 30 years of employment with General Electric/ Lockheed Martin. During his career with General Electric/ Lockheed Martin, Nick was employed in Saudi Arabia for a period of 19 months installing radar towers throughout the region during the Desert Storm War. Nick also had a rewarding and fulfilling career with his family owned business, Speno Music, Inc. Nick started working beside his father at the age of 9. Eventually after retiring from General Electric/ Lockheed Martin, Nick spent the remainder of his professional career working beside his son Mike at Speno Music, Inc. where he created and managed the eBay business for the store. Nick was very involved with the community of Auburn and served on several community organizations. One of Nick's greatest joys in life was marching in the annual Auburn Memorial Day parade wearing the Air Force uniform he was so proud to display. Nick was instrumental in planning and implementing many of the Air Force flyovers that took place during the Memorial Day parades in Auburn and surrounding communities. Nick enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, bowling, NASCAR, casino trips and watching his beloved New York Yankees. Nick was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Agnes (Hooper) Speno; his sister, Ellen Speno and his great-grandchild, Angel Gauthier. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 30 in Saint Hyacinth Church with military honors being presented at St. Joseph Cemetery immediately following the church service. Family and friends are invited to call 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday June 29, in the Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Hyacinth Church Renovation Fund, 299 Clark St., Auburn or Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Drive Auburn, NY 13021 in memory of Nick. Arrangements are by the Heieck-Pelc Funeral Home To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.