Richard Charles Sperl

Richard Charles Sperl May 23, 1939 – April 3, 2025

Richard Charles Sperl, known affectionately as "Dick," passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Fort Pierce, Florida, at the age of 85. He was born on May 23, 1939, in Manhattan, New York, to Harry and Edna Sperl. He is survived by his devoted wife, Diana; his children, Richard, James, and Christopher, along with their respective partners, Linda, Katy, and Christopher; and his beloved grandchildren, Bradley and Tristan. He was reunited in heaven with his parents and his sister, Barbara.

Dick graduated from Levittown Memorial High School and then served honorably in the Air Force Reserves for six years. He had a fulfilling career as a Police Officer with the Suffolk County Police Department. After working on patrol, Dick transitioned to a role as Detective Sergeant in the police laboratory. Following the lab’s closure, he went on to oversee the county’s breathalyzer program. While work was important to him, it was always his family that brought him the greatest joy.

Dick’s love for his wife, Diana, was unwavering. The two were inseparable for 70 years and you would always find them holding hands. The only time they were apart was when cars changed from front bench seats to bucket seats and during Dick’s hospital stays. A true love story! He was wholeheartedly involved in the lives of his children, coaching Jimmy’s hockey team, Richard’s Little League teams, and running races alongside Christopher. Dick cherished his grandsons deeply and took immense pride in all they had achieved in their lives so far. Family was the heart of his life!

One of Dick's greatest joys was spending summers upstate New York, surrounded by the "Motley Crew of Sonshine Farm" and making lasting memories with family. He took great pleasure in teaching his grandchildren to fish, playing lawn darts with them, caring for the fish at the county fair, and being an active participant in Trout Unlimited. He was a passionate supporter of his community, contributing as a speaker at Marriage Encounter weekends and leading groups in the Saint Mark’s Pre-Cana program.

After retiring at the age of 48, Dick stayed active, playing tennis, softball, and pickleball. One of his proudest moments was pitching the winning game in the championship alongside his son, Richard. As a licensed pilot, Dick periodically took to the skies, even flying over Sonshine Farm during one of his many adventures.

Dick was known for his kindness, acceptance, and genuine interest in others. He never judged anyone and always made an effort to connect with people, often striking up conversations with total strangers, much to the occasional embarrassment of his family. He had a unique way of seeing the good in others, and it was rare to hear him speak ill of anyone. When someone would wish him a “good day,” his response was always, “No.” When asked why, he would smile and reply, “Because I’m going to have a great day, and I hope you have a great day too!”

Dick lived by several mottos, one of which was to celebrate even the difficult times in life. In that spirit, we invite you to celebrate his long, meaningful life with us during this difficult time.

He will always and forever be in our hearts!

A service will be held on May 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM for a Funeral Mass at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church located at 105 Randall Road Shoreham, New York 11786.