Paul H. Speer

1928 - 2017

Paul H. Speer December 27, 1928 - July 8, 2017 CORONADO RADM Paul H. Speer (Ret)December 27 1928 Greensburg PA. July 8 2017 Ridgway PA.RADM Speer passed away in his boyhood hometown of Ridgway PA on July 8, 2017. The middle child of Stuart and Julia Speer of Ridgway PA, he is survived by his brother William Speer of Concord NC, his sister Mary Francis Bressler of Chambersburg PA, and a multitude of nieces and nephews who greatly miss his presence. He was preceded in death by his brother Stuart Jr. of Owensboro KY, and late sister Julie Schultz of Cortland OH.Speer married Jenny Nagy in 1951; they met at an air show and were married six months later. They called the San Diego area home, and resided in Coronado since 1974. Speer once said during an interview for a newspaper article that his proudest moment was being married to the same woman for over 50 years and for making an impact on young people. After 56 wonderful years of marriage Jenny passed away after a prolonged illness. Paul and Jenny were both preceded in death by their son Paul Steven Speer.Upon graduating from high school Speer entered the Navy as a "Flying Midshipman" and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, and went on to command the USS Blue Ridge, USS Constellation, US Naval Forces Japan, and Carrier Group One. Speer retired from the Navy in 1983 as Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. RADM Speer was a recipient of the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star with Combat "V" and 23 Air Medals.Speer's retirement didn't last long as he went back to work as President of AMEX Systems Inc in San Diego and Mojave CA. After retiring from AMEX, Speer was appointed to the Port Commission of San Diego where he served for eight years. He was also featured on the History Channel's "Dogfights The Last Gunfighter" episode in 2006.The greatest testament to Speer's life was his intelligence and calm demeanor which served as an inspiration to his family, friends, coworkers, and even those that only knew him casually. He was an outstanding public speaker that could capture the imagination of large groups or individuals with his many stories of the golden age of aviation.Private services are to be held at a later date. Speer's remains will be scattered at sea.For those wishing to honor his memory, contributions can be made to Naval Services FamilyLine (http://www.nsfamilyline.org/site/donate) or the Wingman Foundation (http://www.wingmanfoundation.org/takeaction/