John J. Spisak

It is with broken hearts we share the passing of John (John-John/Johnny) Spisak, 63, of Johnson City, into the welcoming arms of his Savior Jesus Christ and the loving arms of his mother Stella Spisak and his father John Spisak. John is also pre-deceased by his sister Josette Eramo, his brother Bob Spisak and half-sister, Joyce Henneman.
He is survived by this sisters, Rosalie Bronner and Deborah (Earl) Quackenbush who passionately loved, cared for and advocated for John throughout his life. He also leaves behind his many nieces and nephews; Lisa (Nino) D’Angelo, Nichole (Andrew) Wagner, Carrie Quackenbush (Patricia Lake), Jennifer (Jorge) Bardalez, Ashley (Allan) Fernandez, Lindsey Spisak, Tina Eramo, David (Christine) Eramo, Denise (Gregory) Houseknecht, Brenda Langdon and many great nieces, nephews and two great-great nieces. He also leaves behind his Achieve family that has journeyed with and supported John for over 42 years.
John had a full and accomplished life and being born with Down Syndrome in the 60’s, that was no small feat. But because of a loving and involved family John was given the opportunity to thrive! Upon graduating from BOCES in 1983 he entered the program at the Broome-Tioga ARC, now Achieve, at Cutler Pond CVI workshop. Not long after, he was chosen to work at NYSE&G, through Achieve, salvaging line hardware, street lights and sorting scrap steel. John happily worked there for 33 years until his “retirement” three short years ago at the age of 60. His motto was “No work – No pay”! In 2016 he was recognized by Achieve at the Annual Dinner Dance for his achievements and value as an employee, which he was so very proud to have received.
John was also an accomplished athlete. He excelled in golf, playing in the Special Olympics at the State Level. On his yearly stays in Florida, he often golfed the courses around Daytona Beach with his sister. John loved bowling and bowled in Special Olympic bowing leagues and won numerous medals and trophies to brag about his high average. He loved horseback riding through Special O and loved riding the trails in Florida with the “cowboy” during his stays. He played basketball (thinking he was 6 foot but only 4’ 11”), loved soccer, volleyball, bocce ball you name it, he tried it, and he loved it! Music was a huge part of his life and he often loved to dress the part of Elvis or Michael Jackson!
John loved his family with as big a heart as anyone ever had and his family loved him back unconditionally! He loved people and people loved John. He made friends and endeared himself to so many everywhere he went. He had many special friends here in New York and in Florida. John’s family recognizes the support and love John has received and are eternally grateful to everyone that embraced John.
A Funeral Mass for John will be held on Saturday, July 12th at 10 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 207 Hayes Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 11th from 4-6 pm at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott.
In lieu of flowers please consider a generous donation to support the services provided to others like John with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities).
For his New York friends donate to: Achieve, 125 Cutler Pond Road, Binghamton, NY 13905.
For his Florida friends donate to: The Arc of Volusia, Inc., 100 Jimmy Huger Circle, Daytona Beach, FL 32117.