Obituary of Richard Anton Spetz

Richard Anton Spetz GENEVA - Richard Anton Spetz, passed away on Sat. (Nov. 26, 2011), at Geneva General Hospital. In honoring his wishes, there will be no prior calling hours. A funeral service will be held at the Lind Funeral Home, Inc. Jamestown, NY. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Jamestown, NY. Contributions may be directed to the charity of one's choice. Richard was born on July 24, 1925 in Jamestown, NY. He was the son of Gertrude and Anton G. Spetz. Richard was a graduate of Jamestown High School and Jamestown Business College. He joined the Jamestown Police Dept. in 1951 and served with them for 30 years, during which time he became a detective and later a lieutenant. A love of baseball saw him as a pitcher with the semi-pro Jamestown Falcons team. When he stopped playing he became an umpire until he retired, then was a member of the Baseball Umpire's Assoc., from which he was inducted into the Chautauqua County Sports Hall of Fame. He worked for many years with Jamestown Armored Car. Richard was a disabled veteran of WWII, a member of Ira Lou Spring Post 149 of the American Legion, and the Independent order of the Vikings Ingjald Lodge # 65. In his spare time, he was an avid bowler and golfer. Richard was a long time member of St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church. He has lived the past 12 years in Geneva, NY. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Gary) Breese; son, Michael (Joanne) Spetz; 5 grandchildren, Curt (Sharon) Zdunski, Kristy Spetz, Elisabeth (Matthew) Marsh, Amy (Dave) Cameron and Lindsey Breese; 3 great-grandchildren, Jessica and Jon Zdunski and Kaitlyn Marsh. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Irene (VanTilburg) Spetz.