Richard Lawrence Spetka
October 1, 2008 MOUNT VERNON - Richard Lawrence Spetka, 85, passed away September 27, 2008. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio on May 22, 1923 to Roy R and Margaret J. Spetka. Dick 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, Tennessee. 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 G alliani. 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 sister; Martha S. Pollak of Connecticut; son 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; 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 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, Ohio at 100 E. Gay Street on Oct. 25, 2008. 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.
To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com The Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Vernon are honored to serve the family of Richard L. Spetka.
Dick was always a gentleman. We appreciate and are thankful for the joy and happiness he brought into my mothers life. He was a true friend and thoughtful companion. One thing that comes to mind is when my mother called to say "Dick opens car doors for me"! He had a loving and caring nature. He will be so missed.
From Leslie & Jeff Nepper
To all of Dick's beloved family, I extend my deepest sympathy. I am honored to have been Dick's last secretary at Cooper (organizing his retirement party, which had the best turnout of any retirement party in the company's history). Dick fondly referred to me as "Babs" (the only person ever allowed to call me that) and I called him "Rick."
We kept in touch until about 5 years ago, and I am saddened that I did not make more of an effort during that time. Every year he never forgot my birthday, and I would recognize his handwriting on the envelope immediately, ripping it open to see what my dear friend had to say.
Dick was one of the greatest men I have ever met. He was a
man of integrity and everyone who knew him respected him. I not only respected him, but dearly loved him. Dick never hesitated to stick up for people, and was always there if you needed him.
No questions: he simply was there.
That is so rare, and yet for Dick there just wasn't any other way. He was also a hardworking man, who was such an
asset to Cooper. He took pride in everything he did, never backed down when he strongly believed in something, was very detail oriented, and incredibly intelligent. I could write a book on this wonderful man, but there is nothing I can say that you don't already know. To have known him was a tremendous blessing, for which I will always remain ever thankful. As for his children, I feel as if I knew you all. He would speak of all of you with such love and pride.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as I'm sure you can't imagine life without him. I can't imagine the world without him.
He will be deeply missed.
Sincerely, Rick's "Babs"
Barbara Alfredo
