"Many years ago, Frank was my father-in-law. I always love him and Lee and I never did forget them. They added to my life; watching their relationship and love for each other was a joy. "
In loving memory of
Frank T. Spera
March 28, 1924 - December 29, 2012
Frank Spera, decorated WWII Veteran, 88, of Ambler, died at his home on Saturday, Dec 29th. Mr. Spera was an accomplished engineer, a craftsman and a decorated WWII veteran.
Mr. Spera was born in Philadelphia above the family shoe store, and served in Patton's 3rd Army as combat engineer and flamethrower. He received two Purple Hearts for bullet wounds, and survived the 3 month battle of Metz.
As he and his brother were first to go to college, he reveled in saying 'the army put me through college'. As a defense engineer, he held multiple patents in early digital computing hardware and was the lead engineer of the first mobile military computer.
Mr. Spera had an insatiable need to create, and he was always pursuing a new art, knowledge or skill. He was a sculptor, wood craftsman, and he hand-built black-powder rifles and tiffany lamps. He said the only animal he didn't attempt to raise was hippopotamus. A voracious reader, he could (and would) discuss everything from Mayan religion, particle physics, civil war history, and everything in between.
Mr. Spera had a truly unique manner and eccentric humor that was born of a man who was both brilliant and experienced a great deal in his lifetime. Those who met him found the experience difficult to forget, and would remember it fondly for years thereafter.
Mr. Spera was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Koran in 1958 and son Francis X. Spera in 1975.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Rosalie (nee Healy) Spera, and devoted sons Stephen F. Spera of New York, NY and Jason H. Spera of Horsham. He was also the loving grandfather of Adam T. Spera. In addition, he is survived by two sisters Mary Di Benedetto and Nancy Nicastro.
Relative and Friends are invited after 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at the Anton B. Urban Funeral Home, 1111 South Bethlehem Pike, Ambler . A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 12:00 PM. Interment will be private.
Remembrances in his name to Abington Health- Hospice at Warminster 1200 Old York Rd., Abington, PA 19001 or www.amh.org would be appreciated by the family.
Tributes and photos may by shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
" As I sit here and view the tributes ,my mind floods with memories of my Uncle Frank. I laugh and smile as I remember going crabbing with him at the shore, then having some crabs at the pier afterwards. He told his war stories over and over but they never grew old. They was always fun to hear about.
You never had to guess what his opinion was. He entertained at my high school graduation party by telling us that they should do away with busing and summer school to save taxes. However, if they built a greek theater in the municipal parking lot he would pay taxes for that because he would go. He could even make you laugh at a funeral. At my grandfathers wake he told me that it was good that I got a haircut because I was starting to look like a bear. When he met my now wife five years ago he tole her she was "Real", which prompted Lee to say "Oh what were his exes artificial?'
Every year they hosted a Labor Day Picnic at their house. I could never leave without a six pack and some fish he had caught. The next time we saw him he would tell everyone that I would not leave so he bribed me with beer and fish.
Aunt Lee, Steve, and Jason, you were always fun to be around too. As you mourn the loss of Frank I hope you will remember the good times and smile when you think of the wonderful man we all had the blessing to have in our lives."
"Frank will always be to me: - A philosopher, an artist, an accomplished engineer; - A writer, a poet, a worker with his hands; - A devotee of knowledge, a disciple of freedom, a believer in true free-will; - A reader of books, a teller of tales, a delver into life's many mysteries; - A debater, an arguer, a challenger of any status quo; - A seeker, a searcher, a dreamer always looking for a better tomorrow; - A decorated soldier, an historian, a loving family man; - A teacher, a mentor, a friend May he forever walk the road of JRR Tolkien: The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began, Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow if I can, Pursuing it with eager feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many path and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say! Goodbye my teacher, my mentor and my friend!"
"I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Frank when he was hired as one of the Philco engineers at Fairchild Weston in Horsham PA. As an engineer, he was the most knowledgeable people I ever met. I also worked with his son Jason at General Atronics in Wyndmoor in the 1990's. Jason would often keep me updated on his father's health. The world is a better place thanks to Mr. Spera. Jason you have followed your father's footsteps well. Spera family, Rosalie, Stephen, Jason, and granson Adam, I share your loss and sorrow. Carmen Malizia US Department of Dfense (DCMA Phila.)"
"I had the pleasure of taking care of Frank for a few months this year. His stories were always interesting and informative, he could make me smile and laugh no matter what type of day I was having. Both Frank and his wife were always kind and gracious, a welcoming visit for me to perform. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. "