William Joseph Spear died June 5th, 2020, peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 39 years Sharon by his side. He endured with grace and dignity a long illness, Lewy Body Dementia.
Born in Washington, DC on December 15th, 1946 he grew up in Scranton Pa. Predeceased by his parents William and Marie Spear and his brother Timothy Spear.
Bill worked at Xerox for 36 years as an Engineer. In retirement he became a medical transporter and pursued his “dream” job as an artist.
He was a man of many talents sailing, rowing, cooking, painting, meditating and enjoyed walks in the park with his family. All knew him for his sourdough pizza and watercolor paintings. Life was an adventure for Bill, and he always pursed with a positive attitude.
Bill loved his family and friends with his whole heart. And he will be dearly missed. His pride was in his family and he wanted the best for his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind his loving wife Sharon, his 3 children, Stefanie (Dan) McKenna, Eric (Kelly, Mason and Harper) Spear, and Lauren Spear. His brother Paul (Mindy) Spear and many nieces and nephews.
Bill requested that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation Serving Upstate Western New York 1344 University Ave. Suite 270 Rochester, New York 14607 in honor of his grandson, Mason.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be scheduled at a future date.
Comments
23 responses to “Spear, William Joseph Jr.”
Bill was a great friend and we have many happy memories with him over the forty years of our friendship with his family. In his honor my husband is keeping up the sour dough culture too.
Bill was a wonderful neighbor and friend for over 30 years. He was our Friday night fish fry date for many years. We will miss him dearly. RIP my friend. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bill was a great friend I only have the finest memories and will cherish those My sincere sympathies to the entire family
Stephanie we as so sorry to hear about your Dad you are in our thoughts and orayers.
Sharon, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You provided him with loving care at home during his final months at home. God bless you. I hope you find peace in knowing he is resting with no pain and no memory issues.
Bill was a great man and had such a vast enthusiasm for life. He will live on in our hearts forever.
Sharon, Lauren, Eric and Stefanie, I am so very sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. What a great man who lived life to the fullest. There are so many memories…..especially the Spearuccia wine making sessions. I know your pain and will be here for you as you go through the grieving process. May God bless you all during this sad time.
Sharon, Mitch and I send our deepest condolences to you and the family. We have such fond memories of living next door to you in Fairport for many years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart is with you family
Farewell to Brother Bill, our honorary member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. A great guy who will be truly missed!
Sharon,
all my love to you and your family. Your soulmate has transitioned into a place of rest an no more pain.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you in his arms.
Vielka
Sharon,
Our prayers goes out to you and your family.
Valerie Tillman
Sharon,
Our prayers goes out to you and your family.
Valerie Tillman
The only Honorary Brother ever of Sigma Pi, Beta Phi. A gentle and humorous man who will be missed by his brothers.
Sharon my condolences to you and your family. Many blessing he is in peace and no more suffering. May he RIP. And God bless you.
It is hard losing anyone you know but it really hurts to lose a person who is very close to you. Bill and I shared so much. We worked together, drank together, thought alike, shared good times and bad. We sailed and skied, biked and philosophized about life and love. He was ecstatic when he met Sharon and I was proud to be in their wedding as he was to be my Best Man at Marybeth’s and mine. I will miss my dear friend and send love to Sharon and the extended family.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I pray your many wonderful memories of the life you shared together will bring you much comfort and peace. Blessings, Marilyn
Sharon,
We will all miss “Brother” Bill at our gatherings. My condolences to you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories of Bill be a comfort. He was a wonderful friend and such a great person.
I will never forget Mr. Spear yelling from the roof tops cheering on his youngest, Lauren at all of our cheerleading competitions. He was funny and brilliant and ohhh so creative. He cooked before it was cool. Rest easy sweet man. Spear’s we have so many memories that hopefully son we can reminisce about and laugh with big smiles like your dad always had. -LOVE THE EAKINS
Sharon, Jimmy and I are so sad to hear this news. We send our condolences and pray that Christ gives you and your family strength during this difficult time. GOD bless and much love and peace.
Sharon and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss; I share your pain and grief. Holding you up in prayer and love.
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. My husband, Lynn, and I had both worked with Bill at Xerox. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers for you and your family, Sharon.
Sincerely,
Sandy & Lynn Glanton