Obituary of Ronald L. Spero

Ronald Louis Spero, 84, passed away at home surrounded in love by his family on Saturday, February 17, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 18, 1939, the son of the late Louis and Anna (Caputo) Spero, Ron attended St. Luke’s High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in finance at Duquesne University. During his time at Duquesne, Ron joined Alpha Phi Delta fraternity, served as “Duke,” the University’s mascot, and was named to the military honor roll. Most importantly, he met the love of his life, Gerry Mattioli. Following their graduation in 1962, Ron and Gerry celebrated a joyous union in marriage. Ron completed officer training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. While at Camp Lejeune, Ron and Gerry had their first child, Ronette. Ron rose to the rank of captain and earned his sharpshooter rifle and pistol badges. He was honorably discharged in 1972. Ron and Gerry moved to Latrobe, PA, where Ron was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as an underwriter. He was later promoted by Metropolitan and relocated to Erie where Ron and Gerry grew their family when they welcomed their second child, Joseph. Soon thereafter, Ron joined New York Life where he obtained his CLU and CPCU. In 1974, Ron opened and devoted the rest of his career to Diversified Placement Services, Inc., a full service, private, employment recruiting/search firm. His company later became DPSI Medical. Ron was one of the founders of the Northwest Pennsylvania Soccer Association, a competitive league for high school players in the 1980s, where he also served as President and coach. Additionally, he coached for several years in EYSA and served on the PA Dental Disciplinary Board. Ron loved music. He could always be found listening to anything from classical to country, rock and roll to “Fiddler on the Roof,” and everything in between. He was a member of the choir at both his parish, Sacred Heart, and the Erie Maennerchor Club Choristers. The most important part of Ron’s life was his family. No matter the distance, Ron loved to travel to support his children and grandchildren through every performance or game. Family picnics by the pool, bocce and croquet in the backyard, holiday traditions, and sharing in the laughter around the table at family gatherings were some of the most treasured and cherished memories he shared with them. Gerry would like to share the following: “Sixty-one years of marriage went by too fast. I have been so blessed. You were a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. The love and support of our children and grandchildren throughout your illness is a reflection of the values you instilled in them and what it means to be family. I love you.” In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his in-laws Carmen and Eda Mattioli; his sisters, Fran (Tom) Gregg, and Rita (Steve) Labash; and his nephews Michael and Kevin Gregg. Ron is survived by his wife, Gerry; his daughter Ronette (Ben) Schneider and son Joseph (Cindi) Spero; four grandchildren, Brooke and Robert Schneider, and Natalie and Landon Spero; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of the Caregiver Support Program and the Home Base Primary Care Program, both at the Erie VA Medical Center, as well as AseraCare Hospice. A heartfelt thank you to our special caregivers Natasha and Julius for their compassionate care, gentle touch, warm hearts and friendship. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Erie VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services, 135 E. 38th St., Erie, PA 16504 or Sacred Heart Church, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16508. Friends are invited to call Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., Erie, PA 16506. A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16508 at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23. Interment at Calvary Mausoleum. Condolences may be extended at www.dusckasmartinfuneralhome.com.