Gabriel A. Spera

Gabriel A. Spera passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 90.
Gabe was born to Theodore and Rose (Miserendino) Spera and grew up on a dirt road in Canarsie, Brooklyn, an Italian immigrant neighborhood. He attended Brooklyn College before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably for two years.
After his discharge, he began a life-long career in sales, initially selling typewriters for Smith Corona in New York City. A naturally gifted salesman, he assumed roles of increasing prominence, eventually rising to the rank of Vice President of Sales for Hunt Imaging. He never truly retired.
Gabe met the love of his life, Marilyn Collins, at a friend's wedding. Their first date was a trip to an ice cream parlor, followed by a movie. They were married within a year-a bond that would last for more than 63 years.
Gabe's early career path took them through various locales. From Brooklyn, they moved to Richmond, Virginia, and then Baltimore, Maryland, where they welcomed their first two children, Cynthia and Theodore. Later, they purchased their first home on Staten Island, where their third child, Gabriel, was born. In 1971, they moved to Scotch Plains, motivated in part by a desire to find a suitably enriching environment for their children.
Gabe was passionate about preserving the natural environment, maintaining local identity, and upholding cultural traditions. In support of these ideals, he ran for and won a seat on the Scotch Plains Township Council in 1982, ultimately serving for eight years. He was honored to be named mayor twice during that time. He helped revitalize downtown Scotch Plains while successfully fending off rampant development. His efforts served to foster a greater sense of civic pride and community.
Gabe merged his love of family, community, and heritage. He was active in UNICO, the Boy Scouts, and both the North Plainfield and Westfield Italian American Clubs. He could always be seen cheering on his children-and everyone else's as well.
In 2016, Gabe and Marilyn moved to the Lantern Hill retirement community in New Providence, where his warmth and sociability continued to flourish. He served as a Resident Advisor (advocating for world-class food service), participated in Tuesday night poker games, played chess, and became a member of the New Providence Republican Club. He was active with the local Lions Club-and was affectionately known as "Mr. 50-50" for his astounding success at promoting the club's annual fund-raising raffle. In recognition of his exceptional civic contributions, he was named Grand Marshall of the 2023 Columbus Day Ceremony in Westfield.
Gabe was a man of many passions and talents. His garden was legendary, as was his kitchen. He spent his summers tending his garden, where he grew fresh ingredients for his dishes. He particularly loved canning tomatoes and picking fresh figs from his tree. He also took pride in wine making: From crushing to bottling, Gabe took great care in producing enjoyable wine, which he shared liberally. Above all, Gabe cherished quality time with his loved ones. He delighted in spending time in Stone Harbor, traveling internationally (especially to Italy), playing rounds of golf at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club, attending New York Giants games, singing karaoke whenever the opportunity arose, and passing down family recipes and traditions to his children and grandchildren (though thankfully, he did not pass on his skills with the accordion).
Gabe was a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and a beloved neighbor. He had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a natural charisma that commanded attention and affection. His life was defined not only by what he did, but by how generously he gave of himself to others. In both public and private life, Gabe exemplified the highest qualities-honesty, sincerity, empathy, and service.
Gabe is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his children, Cynthia Neff (Robert Neff, Jr.), Theodore (Maria Fernanda), and Gabriel (Rachel Lee); his grandchildren, Tomas, Carey (Caroline), Teddy (Star), Laura, Kate, Sophia, Paloma, Raven, and Phoebe; and great-grandchild, Hazel Grace. Gabe is also survived by his brother, Paul, several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and numerous friends and community members who were better for having known him. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild were the light of his life and a true source of pride.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 13, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood NJ 07023. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South St., New Providence NJ 07974.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gabe's memory to the New Providence Lions Club or to your favorite local charity.