Emerick V. Spera
09-Dec-1942 – 24-Aug-11

Emerick Spera was born in Cleveland, Ohio December 9, 1942 and passed away peacefully at 11:10 pm on Wednesday night, August 24, 2011.  At the age of 68, he left us far too soon.    He is survived by his wife Tina, daughter Suzanne, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Michelle, granddaughter Amanda (17), grandsons Samuel (6) and Joshua (3); brother Louie and sister-in-law Joyce.

Emerick courageously fought a two-year battle with throat cancer.   He died peacefully at home in the loving company of his wife Tina and daughter Suzanne holding his hands, having just listened to Chris tell him that he loved him very much over the phone from Chicago, IL.

His crisis in early July was a blessing in disguise, as he had the opportunity to visit with so many of you while he was still conscious, able to speak and lucidly interact about all the happy times he shared with you.  He also had time to reconcile his condition and get ready to meet and make his peace with God.   For that, we are very grateful.

Emerick and Tina were married for 46 wonderful years, and were true soul-mates who grew up together, dating only each other, from the age of 15 and 14.  They shared, 53 wonderful years together. Together, they shared their love of music, tennis, golf and traveling with dear friends.

Music was always a special passion for Emerick.   He played alto and tenor saxophone with his band, the Quarter Notes, for seventeen years.  He was a founding member of the infamous Thursday Nite Men’s Tennis Group at The Woodlands Country Club; and for more than twenty years, enjoyed more than the tennis itself.  The comradery of his buddies in his Thursday group and the members of the WCC Men’s Tennis Association on the “deck,” were some of his favorite times.

Emerick graduated from Benedictine High School in 1961 and Cleveland State University in 1966.  He began his 42 year career in the automotive industry with Ford Motor Company (Pittsburgh, PA), American Motors (Pittsburgh / Detroit / Atlanta / Dallas), and Chrysler (Dallas / Houston); and for the last twenty years, with Gulf States Toyota (Houston).  A nicer and more caring group of fellow coworkrs could not be found.  Unfortunately, Emerick had only one year of retirement to enjoy before he became ill.   He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass followed by a reception at St. Simon and Jude Catholic Church was held Friday, September 30, 2011.  The family  postponed this event so that Tina had time to recover from Emerick’s passing.   Typical of Emerick, he requested that a party be held to celebrate his life, not to mourn him. The party was at Emerick and Tina’s home following the reception at Church.

The Spera Family