A Life Story

John Joseph Spano, 78, was called to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of January 19, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.John was born and raised in Oswego, NY (Upstate), the son of John A Spano and Shirley M. Spano. As the son of a Muck farmer, he worked in the family businesses, Spano Gardens and Spano Market. Later he made his career in Mortgage Banking and Real Estate Development until retirement.After retiring, he and Susan moved from the Atlanta area to Seabrook Island in Midway, GA where he could be closer to his children, grandchildren and enjoy a slower pace of life.John had many passions and interests. You would rarely find him idle unless he was enjoying the latest novel, as he was an avid reader.One of his favorite pastimes was cooking and baking and is fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him as "Papa Ragu". If he prepared it, you knew it would be "Delizioso" (Delicious!)Growing up as the son of a farmer, he inherited the ultimate green thumb. He loved having his hands in the dirt and relished in teaching his children and grandchildren every tip and trick he had for amazing vegetable & herb growth and harvest.Living on Seabrook Island, he was able to enjoy the tranquil nature surrounding he and Susan, by bird watching, spending the day fishing on their small boat in his backyard pond and feeding the family of deer that would visit them every evening at dusk.On a rainy day when the weather wouldn't accommodate his outdoor adventures, you would usually find him playing online poker with friends, a spirited game of Tripoly or beating everyone that ever went up against Alex Trebek on Jeopardy, as there were very few answers he did not know. We liked to call it his "Spano Genius" probably from all the reading he did over the years!He also loved all kinds of music. Especially singer/songwriters who moved him emotionally. Live Theatre was also a big part of his life as well. From watching his son perform on stage from Callaway Gardens to Disney and later enjoying local productions at the Auroa Theater in Lawrenceville, he along with Susan enjoyed many productions over the years.Of all John's passions his greatest was bestowing his words of wisdom upon his children and grandchildren, as they were the loves of his life. Later in life he made it a point to always try and be present for them by hosting family dinners, attending sporting events, birthdays and holidays. Even when he couldn't be there in person you could count on a phone call, and he would often sing you a song.John was preceded in death by his parents John A. Spano and Shirley M. Spano of Oswego, NY, his daughter Jennifer Lynn Reinhardt (Michael) of Milbank, SD. and his nephew Ryan M. Baker, Oswego, NY.John would tell everyone he knew "I am a Blessed Man" and you will see as we list his surviving family who intend to live his legacy and honor him for the rest of our days until we rejoice with him again."Se saprai ricordarmi, saró sempre con te" (If you can remember me, I will be with you always)Surviving are:His heart and soul and love of his life for 32 years Susan L. Randall of Midway, GA.His sister and best friend Linda Baker (Gary) of Oswego, NYHis five surviving children: John J Spano II (Juan Carlos) Hollywood, FL, Shannon S Gray (Stephen) Savannah, GA, Kari Elizabeth Allen, Savannah, GA, Sarah M. Spano, Rochester, NY and Nicholas A. Spano (Jill) Victor, NYHis nine grandchildren: Caitlyn Lindblad (Kevin) Savannah, GA, John Rushing (Christina) Milbank, SD, Robert Rushing (Destiny) Rincon, GA, Sydney Jones (Reagan) Savannah, GA, Shane Allen (Mallory) Athens, GA, Amberly Warren (Michael Mathews), Savannah, GA, Anna Allen, Atlanta, GA, Chaz Reinhardt, Milbank, SD, Arlo Spano, Rochester, NY.His six great grandchildren Raydyn Rushing, Milbank, SD, Hadleigh Rushing, Milbank, SD, Grace Rushing, Milbank, SD, Mayzie Rushing, Rincon, GA, Julia Elizabeth Allen, Athens, GA and Benjamin Leo Jones of Savannah.A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.