John Louis SPICER, 100, of Wellsville, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2022 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville.
Born June 7, 1922, in Whitesville, he was the son of Clair Harris and Pauline Wesche Spicer.
John graduated from Wellsville High School in 1941 and enlisted in the United States Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served honorably for four years in ordinance aboard the USS Commencement Bay.
After his tour, John returned to Wellsville and met his sweetheart, Eloise Billings. They were married on November 18, 1947, for 74 years, and lived in the home they built together.
John worked for CE Air Preheater as a plant manager, he took several management courses and was a member of the management club, retiring in 1981. Throughout his life John participated in the Lions Club, Christian Temple Church, and the McEwen Hose Company for 65 years. John was an avid reader and had a keen interest in learning. John was known as an amazing wood worker and he built many impressive grandfather clocks, Eli Terry clocks, and several pieces of beautiful furniture.
On June 7, 2022, his 100th birthday, John received a commendation from Mayor Randy Shayler, declaring it John Spicer Day in the Village of Wellsville.
John’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife, Eloise; their three children, Suzanne (Charles) Neal, John Spicer, Jr., and Jennifer (Adam) Sorochin, all of Wellsville; 13 grandchildren, Holli and Ben Polselli, Seth, Joshua and Justin Spicer, Kristi Neal and Alvin Leath, Craig (Currie) Neal, Scott (Rachel) McMorris, Gabrielle Sorochin and future grandson Hunter Payne. John’s seven great-grandchildren are Vada and Milo Spicer; Nora, Rowan and Milo Leith; and Logen and Lydia Neal.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his stepmother, Margaret Spicer; two brothers, Robert Spicer and Clair Spicer, Jr.; his in-laws, Richard and Alice Billings; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
There will be no visitation. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 27, 2022 in the Christian Temple Church, 90 Maple Ave., Wellsville, NY. Rev. Dr. Karen Borchert and Rev. Ralph Wagner will co-officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Military Rites will be accorded by members of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702. All are invited to a luncheon following at Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street, Wellsville.
Memorials may be made to the Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, Woodlawn Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 82, Wellsville, NY 14895, or Wellsville Fire Dept., 40 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
