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John Speranza Obituary
John Speranza, 85, of Framingham, MA died peacefully on February 24, 2011 after battling oral cancer for 18 months. He was the husband of Sarah (Batson) Speranza, originally of Milton, FL.
He is survived by his daughter Janet Cole and son-in-law Steven Cole of Easton, MA, his son Jeffrey Speranza and son-in-law Peter DiToro of San Francisco, CA, his daughter Dawn Graunke and son-in-law Scott Graunke of Hillsboro, OR, and his daughter Carolyn Speranza-Houley and son-in?law James Houley of Hopkinton, MA. He also leaves behind 8 beloved grandchildren: Bradford and Victoria Cole, Isabella, John, James Jeffrey and Hannah Houley, Gabriella and Sofia Graunke. He also leaves behind siblings Josephine Faini, Vincenza Lentoni, William Speranza, Mary Rinaldo, Jane Tucci, Thomas Speranza and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Josephine, Gaetano, Robert Speranza, and Frances Palanzi.
He was born in Thompsonville, CT, the son of the late Salvatore and Francesca (Giacomarra) Speranza. He was educated as a child by French Sisters in Woonsocket, RI and graduated from Framingham High School in 1943. He then set off for Hollywood, CA to explore a career in the film industry; however, his career was cut short as a result of being drafted into the Korean War in 1951 where he ran a sub MASH Medical unit until his discharge in 1954. During his time in Asia he was able to travel to Burma, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Macau. In 1960 he earned a BS degree in nursing from Florida State University, where he met his future wife in history class. John was employed as a psychiatric nurse at Escambia General Hospital in Pensacola, FL until 1962. He went on to work as a nursing instructor at the Alexian Bros. School of Nursing in Chicago, IL until 1963. He then returned to Massachusetts to accept a position as a nursing instructor at the Henry Hayward Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Gardner, MA until 1968. After transferring to the Framingham Union Hospital School of nursing, John took a leave of absence in 1972 to earn his MS degree from Boston University. He continued to work as a nursing instructor and clinical supervisor at FUHSN until retirement in 1992.
After retirement John and Sarah traveled the world with friends and family visiting Australia, China, Turkey, Europe, Caribbean Islands as well as Alaska and Hawaii.
John was an active and proud member in town politics where he served as a dedicated town meeting representative for many years. He also served on the committee for the Cushing Hospital Chapel and worked as an adjunct census taker for the US Government.
John had a great passion for reading, cinema, speaking foreign languages, eating and talking to people.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Norton Funeral Home, (www.nortonfuneralhome.com) 53 Beech Street, Framingham, MA on Thursday at 9 AM followed by his funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Tarcisius Church in Framingham. Burial will follow at St. Tarcisius Cemetery, Framingham.
Visiting hours at the funeral home are Wednesday from 4 ? 7 PM.
John was fortunate enough to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary on January 22, 2011. He lived a long and fulfilling life.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the St. Joseph's Indian School Chamberlain SD, 57326 or amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Speranza
Maureen Leverone
March 6, 2011
To the family of John Speranza,
Mr. Speranza was my instructor in Nursing School - his knowledge and wisdom was a welcome guide for us throughout our student years. He was full of life and fun and I had the luxury of occasionally running into him while working at Framingham Union after graduation as well.
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Speranza's family and friends.
Rest peacefully, Mr. Speranza and God bless you.
Maureen Leverone
Paul Handy
March 2, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Maryann Miller
March 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Maryann Miller
March 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steven & Barbara Ferrara
March 2, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father had a full life. He was truly blessed. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories of your father.
Paula Brackett & Family
March 2, 2011
To My Dear Friends, The Speranza Family,
We are thinking of you and are sorry for your loss.
John was a great guy,friend & neighbor. The fond memories of him will last forever. The road trips in the station wagon to visit family, friends, & neighbors.
The trip into Boston to see the Tall Ships, Chinatown plus much more.
The great stories he told and him checking up on us to make sure we were being good kids. Him making sure we were paying attention to school. He was like having an added father in the neighborhood.
God Bless you & yours.
Jo-Ann Agostinelli
March 2, 2011
Sarah and family, I remember when I first moved to Florida, my kids were babies and I didn't know anyone and Uncle Johnny showed up at my door. That was such a nice surprise and a fond memory to me. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you all.
Love, cousin JO-Ann
Holly Lacombe
March 2, 2011
There were many times in nursing school when I wondered if I had made the right career choice. Mr. Speranza was one of those instructors whose wisdom and guidance offered me the reassurance that indeed the correct profession had been chosen. I will never forget him nor the encouragement he gave me and I will be forever grateful. He was very special. I am proud to be a 1972 graduate of FUH.I am very sorry for your loss.
Lori & Heide BAI
March 1, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May your precious memories help you through this time.
Bonnie Maddox
March 1, 2011
To the Speranza family, my deepest condolences! We go way back with the Finlay's and in drum and bugle corp with Janet and Jeff along with working with Sarah at Liberty Mutual (as Patti Chamberlain worked with us also) Miss your visits to the office, broke up my day with laughter and memories and a bit of family gossip! Sarah take care, your children will help you through, memories of John will be your solace!
Debra Cooper
February 28, 2011
Even though my time with John was brief, I loved John dearly. Both of us trying to shock the other or make the other laugh with funny stories. He (and of course, your whole clan) welcomed me in and treated me like family. I will always be thankful for our time together!
February 27, 2011
I remember him as a very friendly and nice man. Worked at Liberty with wife Sarah and was in drum Corps with Jeff and Janet. I will remember him as a bright, and very nice man.
Patti Chamberlain
Carol Chamberlain
February 27, 2011
I have really nice memories of the Speranza house. Did he build that cool tree house? He was always welcoming. The siamese cats, the birthday parties, the piano, the halloween party. Thank you Mr. Speranza for being a good influence in my childhood. You and Mrs. S. raised a nice family. God Bless you.
Susan Mahoney
February 27, 2011
John was my Neurology Instructor in Nursing School at Framingham Union Hospital. He was a wonderful teacher with a great knowledge of many subjects. There was never a dull moment in class!!! He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, John.
Caryn Gray
February 27, 2011
I was a member of the FUH nursing school class of 1972. John was our class advisor and a dear and trusted friend to us all. We treasured our Mr Speranza chats filled with his wisdom, wit and compassion. His influence made each of us a better nurse and a better person than we would have been had we not known him. Thank you John.
Connie Barberi
February 27, 2011
I always loved talking to him, he knew about so many things that interest me. I enjoyed all his stories, and anytime I had a question, he would always give me the answer. He will be truly miss. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Donna DeMartino
February 27, 2011
Mr. Speranza was one of my many instructors at Framingham Union Hospital School of Nursing and I am a better nurse for having had that influence. I had the opportunity to reconnect with him in December & brought in my 1972 yearbook so he could reminisce. It was a great moment. May you be at peace now Mr. Speranza. You will be missed
John Buckley
February 26, 2011
I never met John, but sounds like a great man who lived a great life and raised a great family. My thoughts and prayers for his daughter (and my friend) Carolyn and the rest of John's family and friends.
February 26, 2011
We loved John and will miss him and his great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love, The Stevenson Family
Angie Batson
February 26, 2011
We will miss all your stories and of course the good and bad German words. We are so glad you are not suffering any longer and look forward to the time when we will meet again. Love, Angie, Tony, Bailee and Connor
February 26, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Peter DiToro
February 25, 2011
It was wonderful knowing you, John, and I will miss you. Love, Peter
John Batson
February 25, 2011
The Angels will now take care of you
Love and Miss you .
St Patricks Day Savannah, GA 2007
Chelsey Donahue
February 25, 2011
Lynn McKinney
February 25, 2011
Peace be with you. Love, Lynn
Chelsey Donahue
February 25, 2011
May your light never fade in our memories.
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