Obituary of Richard A. Spetz

Richard A. Spetz, 86, formerly of Jamestown, died Saturday (November 26, 2011) in the Geneva General Hospital in Geneva, NY. A resident of Geneva for the past 12 years, he was born July 24, 1925 in Jamestown, the son of the late Anton G. and Gertrude Spetz, and was a graduate of Jamestown High School and Jamestown Business College. Dick was a disabled veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army during the Battle of Normandy. A love of baseball saw Dick as a pitcher for the former semi-pro Jamestown Falcons team. After his playing days, he became an umpire until his retirement and was a member of the Baseball Umpire's Assoc. He was inducted into the Chautauqua County Baseball Umpire's Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1951 Dick joined the Jamestown Police Department, serving with them for 30 years. During these years he became a detective and later lieutenant. He then worked for Jamestown Armored Car for many years. A long time member of Holy Apostles Parish, Ss Peter & Paul Church, he also belonged to the Ira Lou Spring Post 149 American Legion and the Independent Order of Vikings Ingjald Lodge 65. In his spare time, Dick was an avid bowler and enjoyed golf. Surviving is a daughter, Kathleen (Gary) Breese of Geneva, NY and son, Michael (Joanne) Spetz of Winston-Salem, NC; five grandchildren: Curt (Sharon) Zdunski of Falconer, NY, Kristy Spetz of Winston-Salem, Elisabeth (Matthew) Marsh of Baltimore, MD, Amy (Dave) Cameron of Winston-Salem and Lindsey Breese of Geneva; and three great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jon Zdunski and Kaitlyn Marsh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene VanTilburg whom he married February 7, 1948 and who died September 23, 2009. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home Friday. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.