Francis Paul Spera

Francis Paul Spera (known to his friends and family as Paul) passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024. Paul lived with his beloved wife of 68 years, Camille Barbara Spera (Bobbe), in White Plains, NY.

Paul was born on June 3, 1931 to Margaret and Peter G. Spera and grew up in Corona, Queens. He graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Accounting. While at Fordham, he was a member of the ROTC and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. Paul met Bobbe through mutual friends and they married in 1955 before moving to DC where he was stationed for his military service. After leaving the armed forces having achieved the rank of Captain, he and Bobbe moved back to Queens and then later to White Plains, N.Y. with their children, Deborah (Debbe) and Peter. Later in life, Paul could be found most nights having dinner with Bobbe at a local diner or watching a Mets game at the kitchen table. They were blessed to live happily in their home together until his passing.

Paul will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his clever wit and sense of humor, his steadfast faith, and his ability to nap anywhere. His family’s woodworking business, Juno, sparked a lifelong interest in craftsmanship, whether designing a one-of-a-kind coffee table or solving a puzzle box made of exotic wood. His passion for music and his captivating singing voice led him to the University Glee Club of NYC with whom he sang as a baritone for over 50 years. He and three high school friends from the UGC also formed their own award-winning barbershop quartet known as The Uncalled Four. Paul, or “Gramps” to his grandchildren, is remembered as loving, kind, clever, loyal, and as the person who ensured everyone’s Happy Birthday song included a harmony line. Always proud of his Italian heritage, he enjoyed many lifetimes worth of double espressos, fried calamari, and delicious Italian meals. He could always be counted on to exclaim “Bon Appetit!” before every family meal and remark “I’ve had an eloquence of sufficiency!” over his empty plate.

In addition to his wife and son (spouse, Diana), Paul is also survived by his brother, Anthony Spera (Flora); son-in-law, Vic Sauerhoff; grandchildren, Paul Spera (Lily), Anthony Spera (Andrew), Eric Sauerhoff (Stacey Philliber), Emily Ockay (John), and Hailey Curtis (Dan); and great-grandchildren, Sofia, Stella, Grace, Julia, Emmett, and Owen, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Debbe, as well as his sister, Rosary Spera.

Family and friends are invited to come and celebrate Paul’s life at Yorktown Funeral Home at 945 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY on Friday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m, followed immediately by a funeral mass which will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church at 137 Moseman Road, Yorktown Heights, NY at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s name can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (giving.mskcc.org) in recognition of his daughter’s courageous fight with cancer or to the University Glee Club of NYC (ugcofnyc.org/donate) in recognition of his love for music and singing.