Obituary: Michael Spera, Of Danbury

Information Courtesy Cornell Memorial

DANBURY, CT — Michael Spera of Danbury passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 11, after compassionate care from his children and wife, and caring live-in aide, along with Danbury Hospital and Danbury Regional Hospice staff.

He was born Feb. 9, 1930 in Potenza, Italy, son of John and Antoinette Spera. Michael is survived by his wife, Anna, and his children, John (wife Mary), Anthony (wife Lori), Mary Ann (husband David) Strattner, and Michael as well as his grandchildren, Michelle (husband Matt) Sandorse, Andrew and Loren Spera, and Maria Strattner. Along with his loving sisters, Josephine (Robert) Spagna, Concetta Toscano (Louis, pre-deceased), Mary (Frank) DiNoto and was predeceased by his brother, Vincent Spera. Michael cherished and loved his godchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Michael came through Ellis Island as an Italian immigrant with his sister and father as a teenager. He soon joined the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. Michael has always had a passion for music, soccer, golf, the N.Y. Yankees and pasta. A successful deli owner, salesman at Victoria Foods and then Salvati Foods, Michael always cherished his Italian roots. He also very much enjoyed playing the guitar and piano for his grandchildren as well as telling countless stories of his youth. He watched almost every Yankee game and was lucky enough to go to a few in person with his beloved sons and grandchildren. Michael was also the founder of the Rosedale Rockets Soccer Club in Queens, NY (which still exists to this day) back in the mid 1970s and coached all of his children.

Wake will be held Monday, Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., at Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street in Danbury. Funeral mass Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m., at Saint Gregory the Great Parish, 85 Great Plain Road, Danbury. Burial will be held at State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT at a time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, making a donation in his memory to Danbury, CT Regional Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice would be truly appreciated