Joseph L. “Joe” Spear, 82, of Annville, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Hospice and Community Care in Mt. Joy. He was the husband of Barbara K. (Hickernell) Spear, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.
Joe was born in Philadelphia on July 7, 1941, to the late Joseph F. and Marcella (DeMatt) Spear.
He graduated from The University of Scranton and then obtained his master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College. He worked with children and youth in social work for the State of PA. He was a parishioner of The Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Palmyra and was a member of The Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed woodworking, golfing, sailing, classic cars, and traveling the world with his wife. He was past president of the Harrisburg Region Austin Healy Sports and Touring Club and was involved with prison ministry at Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary and Trenton State Prison. Joe greatly loved April Fool’s Day and his wedding anniversary.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, is his children, Melissa K. Bird, and her husband, Kevin, of Pine Grove, and J. Mitchell “Mitch” Spear, and his wife, Debbie, of Middletown; four grandchildren, Jacob Spear, Joey Spear, Katie Laverty, and Drew Laverty; and his brother, Robert Spear, and his wife, Sue, of Willow Grove, PA.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 12 p.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 300 W. Pine St., Palmyra. There will be a visitation with the family from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the church. He will be laid to rest in Millbach Community Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to his church, in his memory, for the Presider’s/Pulpit and Altar Server chairs.
