May 22, 1923 — Sept. 27, 2008
Richard Lawrence (Dick) Spetka, 85, passed away September 27, 2008. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio on May 22, 1923 to Roy R. and Margaret J. Spetka.
He served as corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II. He landed at Omaha Beach just days after the D-Day invasion, and remained stationed in France and England. Following WWII, he attended and graduated Ohio State University College of Engineering, School of Industrial, Welding and Systems Engineering.
While a student at OSU, he met and married Hazel Ann McKinnon.
He was employed as Regional Sales Manager by Cooper Energy Services and after 30 years of service, retired to Fairfield Glade.
In 2001, Dick and Hazel came back to Mt. Vernon to be near family and friends. Having enjoyed 54 years of marriage, Hazel passed away in 2002.
Dick had a great sense of humor, loved music (especially Big Band), and delighted in the smiles of small children.
He was the grandfather of Emily, Matthew and Carson Spetka, and Adrian Galliani. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Spetka; brothers, Robert, Ed and Charles Spetka; his wife, Hazel M. Spetka; and two sons, Brian M. and Richard R. Spetka.
He is survived by his sister, Martha S. Pollak of Connecticut; sons, Lawrence M. Spetka, M.D. (Christine) of Toledo, Ohio, M. Gaye Spetka of Columbus, Ohio, Charles R. Spetka (Micol) of New York City, New York and Jason G. Spetka (Tracie) of Scottsdale, Arizona; special friend, Joanne Bechtel of Mt. Vernon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, Ohio at 100 E. Gay Street on Oct. 25, 2008. The Rev. Jonathan Fettig will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Susan G. Komen Foundation, chapters of the donor’s choice.
The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon, OH (www.snyderfuneralhomes.com) are in charge of the arrangements.
