John J. Spetz

In loving memory of John Jerome Spetz of Painesville, Ohio. He died at age 82 on January 18, 2025. John passed away surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 15, 1942 in Painesville, Ohio to the late Leo and Genevieve Spetz. On August 17, 1968, John married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Libby) Ann Kermode.

John attended college at Ohio State University before making a decision to dedicate his talents to investigative reporting and journalism.  That fateful decision led to a distinguished 40+ year career in journalism with the final 20 years as an editor on the national desk at The Plain Dealer. 

Between the years 1969 and 1991, John and Libby welcomed 10 bright and beautiful children into the world. Those children then gifted them 17 fantastic grandchildren. 

John treasured his family both past and present. He was a voracious reader, an avid storyteller and usually the most energetic voice in the room. His family and friends lovingly referred to him as one cool cat. He loved morning walks, searching for sea glass on Headlands Beach, reading spy and detective novels, dancing, gardening, cooking, and watching sports. John enjoyed an eclectic mix of music including Jazz, Classical and Irish music. 'I can see clearly now’ by Jimmy Cliff and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's rendition of  'Over the rainbow' were two of his favorites. We are happy to say he passed away while listening to all his favorite music with his loving family by his bedside.

Left to cherish his loving memory are his children; John Spetz, Lisa Spetz, Tina Spetz, Joni Becks and her husband Charlie, Mike Spetz and his wife Kelly (Draves), James Spetz and his wife Sarim (Tot), Joe Spetz and his wife Gretchen (Chriszt), Marie Spetz, Cate Spetz and Dan Spetz. His grandchildren; Anthony Guarnieri, Naomi Vavpetic, Aggie Becks, Julia Vavpetic, Tre Becks, Ted Spetz, Joey Guarnieri, Dom Spetz, Bear Becks, Grady Spetz, Phin Spetz, Annie Spetz, Ollie Spetz, Parker Vavpetic, Lillian Spetz, Alana Spetz and Kara Spetz. His Siblings; Joe Spetz (Genice), Jacque Westall (Bill).  His sister-in-law; Susan Spetz (Jim).

John is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Genevieve Spetz. His siblings; Jim Spetz, Joyce Lundblad (Donald), Joan Brannigan (Patrick Francis). 

A funeral Service for John will be held at St. Mary Church Painesville at 10:00am on Saturday, January 25, 2025. A visiting hour will begin at the church at 9:00am. A live stream of the funeral service can be accessed from https://www.stmarypvl.org.

John was cremated and will be eternally laid to rest next to his wife Libby at St. Mary Cemetery in Painesville, Ohio. 

Memorial contributions can be made in John’s memory to the charity at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

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