John Spero

John Spero, 83, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 in Sun City West, Arizona. He was born on March 29th, 1939, in the Bronx, New York to Nicholas and Mildred Spero. He grew up playing stick ball in the streets of New York and developed his passion for baseball. Phil Rizzuto was his favorite player alongside Whitey Ford. Across the Harlem River the New York Football Giants played at the Polo Grounds, another favorite team of John’s.

When he was 17, John met his soulmate and soon to be wife, Kathleen, at a birthday party. The two connected and were a hit ever since. John asked Kathy “If I tell my parents we’re getting married, do you want to be my wife?” Of course, she said yes, and they were together ever since. There were ups and downs like all marriages, but John never ceased loving her. Over 60 years later, John and Kathy were having a dinner with some friends and when she had gotten up from the table to use the restroom, John could not help but say “God I love that girl.” He was someone who loved his family deeply and with everything he had, always supporting those he loved.

John did many things that not only made him proud but those close to him proud as well. He joined the Navy and shortly after returning home, joined the NYC Police. He had his beloved German Shepherd, Tonda, ride the subways with him while he was on duty. He took great pride in being a retired officer, never forgetting his badge number and trying to give his family his retired police cards “just in case we got pulled over.”

In his retirement, John took to many other hobbies to keep himself busy and bring him joy. His love of trains and imagination led to a creation of his own miniature town in his backyard. He had multiple trains running at once, traveling past painted and redecorated bird houses that he turned into townhouses. He built his own bridge crossing for the trains and topped it off with a couple of windmills. His yard was something he took great pride in. What seemed like every day, he would go out straightening the rocks, blowing out the leaves, trimming bushes and tree branches, and making sure it was always in tip top shape. A few years ago, his daughter gave him a jigsaw puzzle to do and ever since he would do them at his table in his office, taking a picture of every completed puzzle.

He loved being a part of his community and having some involvement. Each week he would play bocci with the different guys in his community making jokes and bantering back and forth. Him and his wife would attend the Italian American club as well, even cooked different Italian dishes. He was active in his church, St. Thomas More, serving as an usher, and was always keeping his faith and praising the Lord. Something John always had was a joke to brighten someone’s day with a smile to warm their heart. He could make a friend with anyone, whether just meeting him or a longtime friend, you always felt welcome in his presence.

John was incredibly loved by his family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Kathleen, children, John (Julia) , Melissa (Bryan) Malmos, grandchildren, Serena, Gina, Megan, Breanna, and Ian, four great grandchildren, his siblings, Judy, Jerry, one nephew, three nieces, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his son Nicky (Liza).

John will be remembered for his kindness, always making people feel welcome, and the love he gave to others. He believed in the power of prayer and relied on his faith throughout his entire life. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.