John Spata

John Spata, Jr. age 78, of Stuart, FL, formerly from Trumbull, CT, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025. Born in Bridgeport on January 20, 1946, he was the son of Filippa (Gascia) Spata and John Spata, Sr. He was the baby brother to Vincent, Victor, and Lucille.

John openly admitted that he might have been a bit of a little rascal who had given his mother a run for her money in his youngest years, but he grew past that and, after graduation from Bullard-Havens Technical High School, he began his life-long career in plumbing and heating. Over those years, he masterfully practiced his trade with organizations like Sikorsky and B & G, and for a time, through his own business, John's Plumbing & Pool Supply. For many years, he was the facilities manager at St. Joseph's Manor in Trumbull.

Growing up, John looked up to his siblings, and it was his eldest brother, Vinny, who sparked John's love of the New York Yankees when he took him to his first MLB game at Yankee Stadium. One of John's most cherished memories was of attending the winning game of the 2000 Subway World Series against the Mets with his brother, Victor. John relished being doted on by his big sister, Lucille. True to his Italian heritage, he reveled in the huge family picnics with his aunts, uncles, and cousins in New Jersey.

Over his lifetime, John undertook quite a few beloved hobbies, including bowling (He was captain of the team "John's Mixed Nuts" in the SLF Bowling League in Stuart.), raising budgerigar parakeets (He won a myriad of awards along the way.), ceramics (He painted everything from garden statuary to nativity sets.), and home gardening (He'd get so excited every year when he'd see his flowers reblooming!). John had loved working on his cars as a teen, and fondly recounted his '55 Oldsmobile, a hand-me-down from Vinny, many times. John also found great joy in cooking. A family function was not complete without his famous, mouth-watering trays of chicken marsala and sausage & peppers! He made a really tasty gravy, complete with plenty of delicious home-made meatballs! After his mother passed away in 1999, he took over the responsibility of chief pizzelle maker for holidays and parties.

John volunteered in many organizations throughout his lifetime: the Monroe Jaycees,

the Lordship Fathers' Club, Park City Little League (both as coach and president), the International Maintenance Institute (as a member and president), and was an active member of his Florida neighborhood association for many years.

John most cherished his grandchildren and relished hearing about all of their accomplishments, great or small. Thanks to his second-born granddaughter, Marguerite, who created a silly take on the word grandpa, he was gifted with the unique title of "Paqua." He enjoyed playing card and word games on his iPad, watching Judge Judy, and observing all the wildlife activity in his well-tended gardens. He considered it a perfect evening if he got to spend time relaxing on his back screen porch with visiting friends or family. He was always up for a good game of cards or cribbage.

John was generous to so many people in his life, donating time and expertise to help someone who was in a fix. His skills were often called on by friends and family, but he was known to do the occasional job for strangers who were just in dire need of a solution to their plumbing problems. He was a fan of a good Super Bowl pool, and he'd even share a bit of his winnings with his kids. He was a decades long NY Giants fan, and no one cheered louder when watching a broadcast game.

Those who love him will miss his spirited, detailed storytelling, and his strong bear hugs.

John is survived by his wife, Catherine Spata, his children: Dawn (Ron) Morin, Robin (J David) Silva, and John (Jo) Spata, and their mother, Mary Spata, his grandchildren: Morgan (Peter) Gallo, Marguerite, Sonny and Juliana Silva, and Kaleb and Mary Morin. He is also survived by his siblings: Victor (Jean) Spata and Lucille (Paul) Targonski, as well as Catherine's children: Jennifer Johnson, Tanya (Joachin) Mahan-Rogers, and Jared Mahan. John was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Vincent, and Catherine's son, Mark.

John would've wanted to remind everyone to not take up smoking or to quit now if they already smoke. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the American Lung Association at Lung.org

A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace, 651 Stratford Road, Stratford, CT. A Memorial Service will be held on May 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace 651 Stratford Road