Obituary of John W. Spalik

Spalik, John W., Jr. North Fort Myers, FL (formerly of Johnson City): John (Jack) W. Spalik Jr., 83, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2014. Jack was the son of John W. Spalik Sr. and Ethel (Kristek) Spalik who predeceased him. Jack leaves behind his wife and love of his life, Joan (Yannuzzi) Spalik, having celebrated 60 wonderful years in marriage this past July. Jack also leaves behind his beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Sally (Smith) Spalik, John and Karen (Miller) Spalik; and his beloved daughter, Teri Spalik, all of Johnson City. He is also survived by his six "shining stars" grandchildren, Jackie (Bob) Flynn, Billy (Jenn) Spalik, Janelle (Jason) Farrell, Danielle Spalik, Kara Spalik and Jake Spalik, of whom he was incredibly proud and loved dearly; seven beautiful great-grandchildren, Joey and Bobby Flynn, Riley, Liam and Molly Spalik; Jordyn and Kendall Farrell; and many dear relatives and friends. Jack was a graduate of Johnson City High School in 1949 and Colgate University in 1954, receiving a BA in Psychology. He was widely known for his athletic accomplishments in football and baseball, notably achieving All Conference honors captaining the 1949 undefeated Johnson City High School football team. He went on to star at Colgate University and later received interest from two NFL teams. In 1981, he was inducted into the New York State Section IV Hall of Fame, followed by induction into the Johnson City Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. After college, he proudly served his country as an Air Force pilot under the Strategic Air Command during the Korean conflict. Thereafter, Jack and Joan retuned to Johnson City where they resided for 33 years. During that period, Jack was employed by IBM for 32 years in Personnel and Salary Administration. For many years, Jack was active in the community as a youth sports coach; a founding member of the Johnson City Athletic Booster Club; served on the Village Parks and Recreation committee; and officiated local high school and regional college football games. Upon retirement, Jack and Joan moved to the Pine Lakes community in North Fort Myers, FL where they have resided for 24 years. Jack continued his volunteer work within Pine Lakes as a medical and golf association volunteer. For many years, he enjoyed participating in the St. Theresa's Church choir as a tenor. Jack established numerous friendships throughout his lifetime that he dearly cherished. He was always known for having a smile on his face and for his kindness and generosity. No words can adequately describe the depth of Jack's devotion to his family, nor the family's love and respect for him. Family and friends will be received at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, New York on Monday, September 29 from 4:30-7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Vincent DePaul-Blessed Sacrament Church, Vestal on Tuesday, September 30 at 11 a.m. In memory of Jack, expressions of sympathy may be made via donation to the Johnson City Athletic Booster Club, 666 Reynolds Road, Johnson City, NY 13790.