Obituary of Ralph Joseph Spero

Ralph Spero

Ralph Spero, 86, died Thursday, April 14th at home with his family by his side. 

Ralph was born September 8th, 1935 in West Orange, NJ, to Ralph and Mary Spero.          .

Ralph loved walks on the beach, going out on the boat, making his children and grandchildren laugh, and always trying to catch the biggest fish in the sea. 

In 1954 he graduated from West Orange High School where he received varsity letters and awards in football, basketball, and track and field. He enlisted into the U.S. Army a year after graduating in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. 

Ralph married Evelyn DeZao on May 5th,1957. They were blessed with seven children, Ralph, Gregory, Donna, Robert, Joseph, Andrew, and Jennifer. 

Ralph worked as a mechanic for the Department of Public Works in West Orange for 35 years. He was a recipient of the Silver Life Card issued by the West Orange PBA Local 25, for his dedication and work on West Orange Police vehicles. 

Ralph was an avid puzzle maker, and enjoyed word puzzles and sudoku. He was known for his clam sauce, as well as his cheese cake. His other hobbies included, bowling, playing softball, fishing and clamming with his lifelong friend Dominic Belli, playing cards and always displaying his wonderful sense of humor. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Evelyn Spero, his sister Antoinette Campinelli, his children, Ralph and Jamie Spero, Donna and Steve Hodgson, Robert and Maria Spero, Joseph and Donna Spero, Jennifer and Glenn Wetzel and Arlene Masterson. Loving father in law of Patricia and Kelly. Cherished grandfather of Nicole, Victoria, Noelle, Gabrielle, Daniel, Gregory, Samantha, Stephanie, Talia, Daniela, Alyssa, Andrew, Matthew, Emily, and Evelyn, as well as three great grandchildren and many, many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mary Spero, his brother Robert Spero, and sister Virginia Wyman, his children Gregory Spero and Andrew Spero. 

Ralph especially will be remembered for his hard work and dedication, as well as his willingness to help anyone he met, and always being there for his family.

Visiting will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street in West Orange.

A  Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 11:15 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, 312 Ridgedale Ave. East Hanover, NJ.