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Celebrating the life of

Richard Patrick Spelman

December 23, 2013 - December 23, 2013

Richard Patrick Spelman

SAVANNAH - Dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle and mentor, Richard Patrick Spelman died on December 22, 2013 at his home in Savannah, GA under the care of Hospice Savannah with his devoted wife of 50 years, Patricia Ann Spelman and son Chris Spelman by his side.
Rich was born in Port Chester, NY on March 3, 1940, grew up in Mamaroneck, graduated Blessed Sacrament High School receiving their athletic award for best athlete Football, Basketball & Baseball and attended the University of Dayton, OH. He served in the Army until July 1968. Rich married Patricia in 1963 settling in New Rochelle, NY; Sparta, NJ and So. Windsor, CT; before retiring to Savannah, GA.
Besides his wife, Rich is survived by his two children, daughter Gayle Spelman and son Chris Spelman w/ his wife Becky Spelman and three grandchildren: Abigail, Paige & Joe; as well as his brother Bill Spelman and his children: Bill, Michael & Karen and his brother Paul Spelman with his wife Minna Spelman and their sons Lawrence and David and their respective families.
Rich completed his 30+ year career in the beverage industry as VP & GM of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of NY. Upon his retirement to The Landings at Skidaway Island, Rich joined the Southside Fire Department and received the 2011 Fireman of the Year Award. Rich was an avid golfer and Yankees, Giants & UConn Huskies fan.
A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 26th at St. James Catholic Church, Savannah at 11 AM.
Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial Hospital, Southside Fire Dept. or Hospice Savannah.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com


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GUEST BOOK

So sorry to learn of your loss. I have fond memories of Richie and Frank Avenue activities. He is in my thoughts. All the best...

- Ron LaBrusciano, Marlboro, VT

Dear Spelman Family, our heartfelt sympathy for your loss,May all of your special memories bless and fill your days...WIth love Mike and Jackie Bruno

- Jacqueline and Michael Bruno, Norwell, MA

Dear Pat, Gayle & Chris, I'm so sorry to hear about Richie. I worked with him for nine years and, I have to say, my time at Coca-Cola was filled with fabulous memories. He always tried to be fair and was a pleasure work with. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

- Elaine D. Glover, Gilford, NH

So sorry for your loss.My brothers Tom ,decDonRye Brook& RogerTuscon grew up with the Spelman boys,and have great memories of Frank Ave days. Condolences also from Matt Healy& Ed Robinson and many Mamk folks BUD HEITHAUS

- Bud Heithaus, Tequesta, FL

Dear Aunt Patty, Chris. and Gayle, So sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Rich. I will always remember him as such a kind, big-hearted man. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Love, Bill and Zoe Spelman

- Bill and Zoe Spelman, Bronx, NY

Dear Patti, Chris and Gayle, We extend our sincere condolences for your loss. Richie was the driving force, the Patriarch, behind the RC Distributor Operation in Pine Brook, N.J. Richie will be missed by all who knew him. In sympathy, Frank&June Madia

- Frank&June Madia, Morris Plains, NJ

With deepest sympathy to the family of Richard Patrick Spelman for the death of your dear loved one. May you draw comfort from the words of Isaiah 25:8, 'He will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.'

- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA

To The Spelman Families, I'm so sorry for your loss of Richie. May you know he has no more pain or suffering and is with his maker. He is smiling down at everyone. Smile back at him as you comfort one another. May God Bless and comfort all of you at this time. I worked at Coca-Cola with Richie for many years in different positions ... he was a good man.

- Eddie, Enfield, CT

Pat-Sorry to read about your loss. We have many great memories of Rich with Coke as well as our social times with you, Rich and the Smiths. You are in our prayers. Jim & Joan Nilsson

- Jim Nilsson, East Windsor, CT

Mrs Spelman , Gayle and Chris. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I spent many days and nights at your home and was privileged to have known your father and spend so much time with all of you. One of my best memories is the vacation to Long Beach Island with all of you. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that I am thinking of you.

- Jennifer blanchard, Vista, CA

Dear Patty, Pat & I send are most sincere heart felt condolences. Richie will be sorely missed by all who crossed his path. AS a life long friend it is hard to digest. Patty we are here for you. I know you can come out of this just fine.It is what he would want. You have our Prays and LOVE Billy & Pat

- Pat & Bill DRaddy, southbury, CT

Patti and family, We are greatly saddened by your loss and ours. Rich was a super person and a wonderful friend . We are here to support you, now and whenever you need us. Pat and Arnie

- Pat and Arnie Cook, Savannah, GA

Pat, Gayle, Chris, Becky, Abby, Paige and Joe: Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Rich. Reading his obituary, it was so interesting and lovely to learn additional tidbits about this wonderful man: his second career as a volunteer fireman, his early days as a student athlete and military service. The Dunn clan was fortunate to meet Rich and Pat when our son Steve became Chris’ roommate at UCONN. That move forged a great friendship between Chris and our family, and for Steve with the Spelmans. We enjoyed tailgates and postgame meals, and collectively supported each others’ sons throughout their college experience and later as they began careers and families of their own. We have shared weddings, baptisms, laughter and tears. It is so difficult to say goodby and especially during the Christmas season. As we cannot attend the service on Thursday, please know that our thoughts, prayers, love and friendship will be with Spelman family that day and always.

- Ialeen and Mark Dunn, Stafford, CT

Sincere condolences to the family and may God comfort your broken hearts during this sad time. Psalm 34:18.

- M. Rogers, , NY

Nobody doesn't LOVE the Spelmans' !Patty, you and Rich have been truly magnificent friends to the entire Keane family. We are deeply sad for YOUR loss, and for OURS! 'Lady Patricia', Camp Keane awaits you, anytime you are ready. We are sending massive hugs your way! Love from all the Keanes. and God bless......

- Karen Keane, West Simsbury, CT

To Richies family, I was so saddened to read about your loss. Richie & I went to Blessed Sacrament HS in New Rochelle together. Although we lost contact over the years, I still remember & tell stories about the good times we had together. He was one of the 'good guys'. God Bless all of you. RIP old friend. Big Mike Harrington

- Michael Harrington, Larchmont, NY

To Richie's Family...My Condolences Christmas Day is not what it should be having read of his passing. He and I lost track of each other over the years, but I first met Richie in grade school in Mamaroneck in 4th grade and competed against and with him in many sports of all kinds over the years. I don't think I ever beat him in anything, even a game of pool. He was very competitive and athletically talented and I attended his final HS FB game for Blessed Sacrament on Thanksgiving Day,1957. He scored 3 TDs and was MVP of the game. Five years later, when my first son was born, I was proud to have him agree to be Tim's Godfather. I have a flood of memories of going to sports events with Richie at Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium and even Yonkers Raceway. How I regret that moving and other circumstances caused us to lose touch My wonderful old friend, goodbye, and if I'm able to meet up where you are, again you can trounce me one more time one-on-one. Steve Oehmsen Farmington CT

- Steve Oehmsen, Farmington, CT

Dear patty and family. sorry to have heard about your loss. Rich was a good man and fun too be around. We will all miss him and I will keep him in my prayers. Hank giard

- Henry and Carole Giard, Vernon, CT

Dear Patty and Family, We send our deepest sympathy and much love, please know we will keep you and Rich in our prayers. Love, Gerry and Lou

- Gerry and Lou Molella, Savannah, GA

Patty, Our deep sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with Rich, you and your family. Kurt and Anne

- Anne and Kurt Faxon, , GA

Patty: We share your sorrow and send our heartfelt sympathy and love to you and your family. Rob and Maria Blanck

- Robert & Maria Blanck, Savannah GA, GA

Patty...Rich was a friend and remains an inspiration and example. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest easy, Rich...God Bless.Pete and Anne Lyon

- peter lyon, savannah, GA

Dear Patty: As a fellow 'Panel Operator' I was fortunate to work frequently with Rich and share his humor, wit, and dedication. What a great guy! I'll never forget his chuckle. John Cork

- John Cork, Savannah, GA

Dear Patty and family, We are filled with sadness over the loss of Rich, who gave so much to this world. I'm sure they will welcome him with loving arms in heaven. We will keep you all in our prayers. Kathleen & Leo Esposito

- Kathleen Esposito, Savannah, GA

Dear Patty, What a loss...Rich was such a wonderful guy. We wish peace to you and your family and will keep Rich in our hearts forever.

- Lou Venegas and Maddy Ginsberg, Savannah, GA

So sorry to learn of your loss. I have fond memories of Richie and Frank Avenue activities. He is in my thoughts. All the best...

- Ron LaBrusciano, Marlboro, VT

Dear Spelman Family, our heartfelt sympathy for your loss,May all of your special memories bless and fill your days...WIth love Mike and Jackie Bruno

- Jacqueline and Michael Bruno, Norwell, MA

Dear Pat, Gayle & Chris, I'm so sorry to hear about Richie. I worked with him for nine years and, I have to say, my time at Coca-Cola was filled with fabulous memories. He always tried to be fair and was a pleasure work with. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

- Elaine D. Glover, Gilford, NH

So sorry for your loss.My brothers Tom ,decDonRye Brook& RogerTuscon grew up with the Spelman boys,and have great memories of Frank Ave days. Condolences also from Matt Healy& Ed Robinson and many Mamk folks BUD HEITHAUS

- Bud Heithaus, Tequesta, FL

Dear Aunt Patty, Chris. and Gayle, So sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Rich. I will always remember him as such a kind, big-hearted man. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. Love, Bill and Zoe Spelman

- Bill and Zoe Spelman, Bronx, NY

Dear Patti, Chris and Gayle, We extend our sincere condolences for your loss. Richie was the driving force, the Patriarch, behind the RC Distributor Operation in Pine Brook, N.J. Richie will be missed by all who knew him. In sympathy, Frank&June Madia

- Frank&June Madia, Morris Plains, NJ

With deepest sympathy to the family of Richard Patrick Spelman for the death of your dear loved one. May you draw comfort from the words of Isaiah 25:8, 'He will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.'

- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA

To The Spelman Families, I'm so sorry for your loss of Richie. May you know he has no more pain or suffering and is with his maker. He is smiling down at everyone. Smile back at him as you comfort one another. May God Bless and comfort all of you at this time. I worked at Coca-Cola with Richie for many years in different positions ... he was a good man.

- Eddie, Enfield, CT

Pat-Sorry to read about your loss. We have many great memories of Rich with Coke as well as our social times with you, Rich and the Smiths. You are in our prayers. Jim & Joan Nilsson

- Jim Nilsson, East Windsor, CT

Mrs Spelman , Gayle and Chris. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I spent many days and nights at your home and was privileged to have known your father and spend so much time with all of you. One of my best memories is the vacation to Long Beach Island with all of you. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that I am thinking of you.

- Jennifer blanchard, Vista, CA

Dear Patty, Pat & I send are most sincere heart felt condolences. Richie will be sorely missed by all who crossed his path. AS a life long friend it is hard to digest. Patty we are here for you. I know you can come out of this just fine.It is what he would want. You have our Prays and LOVE Billy & Pat

- Pat & Bill DRaddy, southbury, CT

Patti and family, We are greatly saddened by your loss and ours. Rich was a super person and a wonderful friend . We are here to support you, now and whenever you need us. Pat and Arnie

- Pat and Arnie Cook, Savannah, GA

Pat, Gayle, Chris, Becky, Abby, Paige and Joe: Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Rich. Reading his obituary, it was so interesting and lovely to learn additional tidbits about this wonderful man: his second career as a volunteer fireman, his early days as a student athlete and military service. The Dunn clan was fortunate to meet Rich and Pat when our son Steve became Chris’ roommate at UCONN. That move forged a great friendship between Chris and our family, and for Steve with the Spelmans. We enjoyed tailgates and postgame meals, and collectively supported each others’ sons throughout their college experience and later as they began careers and families of their own. We have shared weddings, baptisms, laughter and tears. It is so difficult to say goodby and especially during the Christmas season. As we cannot attend the service on Thursday, please know that our thoughts, prayers, love and friendship will be with Spelman family that day and always.

- Ialeen and Mark Dunn, Stafford, CT

Sincere condolences to the family and may God comfort your broken hearts during this sad time. Psalm 34:18.

- M. Rogers, , NY

Nobody doesn't LOVE the Spelmans' !Patty, you and Rich have been truly magnificent friends to the entire Keane family. We are deeply sad for YOUR loss, and for OURS! 'Lady Patricia', Camp Keane awaits you, anytime you are ready. We are sending massive hugs your way! Love from all the Keanes. and God bless......

- Karen Keane, West Simsbury, CT

To Richies family, I was so saddened to read about your loss. Richie & I went to Blessed Sacrament HS in New Rochelle together. Although we lost contact over the years, I still remember & tell stories about the good times we had together. He was one of the 'good guys'. God Bless all of you. RIP old friend. Big Mike Harrington

- Michael Harrington, Larchmont, NY

To Richie's Family...My Condolences Christmas Day is not what it should be having read of his passing. He and I lost track of each other over the years, but I first met Richie in grade school in Mamaroneck in 4th grade and competed against and with him in many sports of all kinds over the years. I don't think I ever beat him in anything, even a game of pool. He was very competitive and athletically talented and I attended his final HS FB game for Blessed Sacrament on Thanksgiving Day,1957. He scored 3 TDs and was MVP of the game. Five years later, when my first son was born, I was proud to have him agree to be Tim's Godfather. I have a flood of memories of going to sports events with Richie at Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium and even Yonkers Raceway. How I regret that moving and other circumstances caused us to lose touch My wonderful old friend, goodbye, and if I'm able to meet up where you are, again you can trounce me one more time one-on-one. Steve Oehmsen Farmington CT

- Steve Oehmsen, Farmington, CT

Dear patty and family. sorry to have heard about your loss. Rich was a good man and fun too be around. We will all miss him and I will keep him in my prayers. Hank giard

- Henry and Carole Giard, Vernon, CT

Dear Patty and Family, We send our deepest sympathy and much love, please know we will keep you and Rich in our prayers. Love, Gerry and Lou

- Gerry and Lou Molella, Savannah, GA

Patty, Our deep sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with Rich, you and your family. Kurt and Anne

- Anne and Kurt Faxon, , GA

Patty: We share your sorrow and send our heartfelt sympathy and love to you and your family. Rob and Maria Blanck

- Robert & Maria Blanck, Savannah GA, GA

Patty...Rich was a friend and remains an inspiration and example. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest easy, Rich...God Bless.Pete and Anne Lyon

- peter lyon, savannah, GA

Dear Patty: As a fellow 'Panel Operator' I was fortunate to work frequently with Rich and share his humor, wit, and dedication. What a great guy! I'll never forget his chuckle. John Cork

- John Cork, Savannah, GA

Dear Patty and family, We are filled with sadness over the loss of Rich, who gave so much to this world. I'm sure they will welcome him with loving arms in heaven. We will keep you all in our prayers. Kathleen & Leo Esposito

- Kathleen Esposito, Savannah, GA

Dear Patty, What a loss...Rich was such a wonderful guy. We wish peace to you and your family and will keep Rich in our hearts forever.

- Lou Venegas and Maddy Ginsberg, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200