- Date Of Birth: June 21, 1952
- Date Of Death: August 15, 2022
- State: Massachusetts
NEWBURYPORT – John Joseph Spires, Jr., 70, of Newburyport MA and formerly of Andover MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 15, 2022, following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Carlene (LaFrenier) Spires; their three children, Leah (Spires) Murnane and her husband Patrick of Newburyport, MA, John Spires, III “Jay” and his wife Kaitlin (Noonan) of Scarborough, ME, and Rebecca Spires and her partner Gabriel Bernardo of Anaheim, CA; their five adored grandchildren, Quinn, Grace, and Ella Murnane and John Spires IV “Jack” and Anna Spires; and his devoted Golden Retriever, Poe.
John also leaves his brother Craig Spires and his wife Claire; his sister Kathie Oliver and her husband Bill; and his brother Mark Spires and his wife Karen. He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. Spires Sr “Jack” and Katherine (Cunningham) “Kay” Spires. John will also be missed by his mother in-law, Adele LaFrenier; his sister in-laws, Adrienne, Audrey, and Elisa, and their spouses; and his many nieces and nephews.
John grew up and spent most of his life in Andover, MA, graduating from Andover High School in 1970, where he was on the boy’s gymnastics team.
John’s greatest love was his family. His wife, Carlene, was his best friend and soulmate since their teenage years.
John loved to ski, and in keeping with his love for kids, was a ski instructor for many seasons at Mt. Sunapee NH. He also loved golf, especially with his Wednesday golf league; music, particularly playing the drums in his band; and especially the beach, where he spent many happy vacations, always providing endless laughter and entertainment for the kids, building sandcastles and ball runs, fishing with the guys, and later, boating in the Merrimack and offshore.
There are not enough words to express the loss of someone who was such a presence in so many lives. John was an exceptional and devoted family man, to his wife, children, and grandchildren; and to his siblings and their families; and was a wonderful big brother to his in-laws, stepping in as the “man of the family” back in 1972. He will be sorely missed by all.
