John S. “Pop” Spera, age 80, of Murfreesboro, TN, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 20, 2018. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Angelina Castellana Spera. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Eve Grace Pollard; son, John S. Spera; his grandchildren, Brandie Harrison and John McBride Jr; sister, Frances Rossi; and brother, Jack Spera.
He is survived by his three daughters, Gina Harrison and her husband Steve of Murfreesboro, Grace Miller of LaVergne, TN and Victoria Spera of Readyville; grandchildren, Cate McBride of Murfreesboro, John Michael Spera of Readyville, and Sean Cross of Readyville; great grandchild, David McBride; and brother, Sam Spera and his wife Marie of Philadelphia, PA.
Mr. Spera was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. He was a retired firefighter in Philadelphia, PA for over 20 years and also worked in production for 12 years with Bridgestone after moving to Tennessee. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Spera loved fishing, the opera, Frank Sinatra and all things Italian. Mr Spera’s great love of children led him to volunteer for many years with the Murfreesboro Boys and Girls Club where he founded the Garden Club. He was affectionately known as “Pop” to the children there. In 2011, Mr. Spera was the first to be inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. He was a recipient of the DNJ’s Community Service award in 2005 and again in 2008 in the Senior category. He will be greatly missed.
Memorials in memory of Mr. Spera can be made to the Murfreesboro Boys and Girls Club.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at 12:00 p.m at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Father Stephen Brett will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. till the service time at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.
