Obituary of Joan C. Spalik

Joan C. Spalik, of North Fort Myers, FL (formerly of Johnson City): Joan C. (Yannuzzi) Spalik, 83, entered eternal rest with courage and dignity at her home on December 21, 2016, surrounded by her beloved children. In faith, she will be reunited in heaven with the love of her life, husband Jack of 60 wonderful years, her loving parents John and Caroline (Nezelek) Yannuzzi, and brother Joseph Yannuzzi. Joan, our selfless matriarch, is survived by the family she cherished and nurtured, sons Bill (Sally) Spalik, John (Karen) Spalik, daughter Teri Spalik, grandchildren Jackie (Bob) Flynn, Billy (Jenn) Spalik, Danielle Spalik (Eric), Janelle (Jason) Farrell, Kara and Jake Spalik, and nine adorable great-grandchildren! She is also survived by special brother and sister-in-law John (Chip) and Barbara Yannuzzi, sister Rosemarie (Toppy) Rose, several cousins, nieces and nephews and their families, and many special lifelong friends. Joan was born and raised in a close-knit home in Johnson City, NY, where she learned the imperative values of family, faith, hard work, integrity, and community. She was a graduate of JCHS Class of '51, then became a homemaker, PTA and grade mother, Little League Team Mother, and volunteer. In 1969, she began working for the Village of JC for 20 years. In 1976, she was appointed Village Clerk by Mayor Paul Silvanic, having earned her Municipal Clerk Certification while attending Syracuse University night school. Joan was very proud to serve the good people of JC, considering it a high honor. Outside of her village employment, Joan contributed to the greater community good as a YMCA board member, founding member of the JC Athletic Booster Club, member of the JC Business and Professional Women's Organization and Meals on Wheels for Broome County. While raising her family, there was always a meal on the table (and what a cook she was!), always time to discuss life matters or play a board game or pinochle. For leisure, Joan enjoyed weekly bowling with the girls at the JC Rec Center and took up the game of golf. Joan was a true sports enthusiast, never missing a family member's ballgame, with special memories of our college football tailgates. Joan set the bar very high for her family regarding respecting, supporting, and caring for others, and maintaining a strong faith in the Lord, all of which she practiced with unbending commitment through her final hour, Lord's cross in hand. Joan's moral compass could not be compromised, it's how she lived her life. She was and is our Saint and no words can adequately describe the depth of her devotion to family, nor the family's love and respect for her. Joan and Jack spent 25 incredible retirement years in the community of Pine Lakes in Florida, their heaven on earth, one that they shared with many dearly treasured friends and neighbors. In her retirement, Joan loved to stay busy and involved; a voracious reader, competitive golfer, dinner party and family visit hostess extraordinaire, participant in Pine Lakes events and clubs of all kinds, and community servant as board member of the Pine Lakes health care organization (FISH), Day of Caring, and Habitat for Humanity, and generally tending to those in need. She always remembered and celebrated the special occasions of family and friends with a card, gift, phone call or personal visit; she lived for others, never wanting to be in the spotlight. Speaking of golf, Joan was a three-time club champ at Pine Lakes; a gracious but fierce competitor she was! In her later years, Joan would often say, my life has been so blessed and I wish the same for all others. To celebrate her life, family and friends will be received at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, on Friday, January 20, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church 465 Clubhouse Rd, Vestal, NY on Saturday, January 21 at 9:30 a.m., followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. In memory of Joan, expressions of sympathy can be made via donation to the CHOW Program of Broome County Council of Churches 3 Otseningo Street, Binghamton, NY 13903.