Obituary of Jack F.T. Sperow

On November 12, 2012 at 12:00 noon, my beloved husband, Jack, died in his home in Aptos at the age of 94. We had a love affair together for over 70 years. He was born on May 20, 1918, to Frank and Della Sperow, in Los Angeles, CA. He had one sister, Marvel, now deceased. Jack had a busy life. The U.S. Air Force made a film about him which was entitled "Two Hats". For thirty years Jack was both a Captain on the Los Angeles Fire Department as well as Group Commander in the Active Air Force Reserve Unit at March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA. Jack served in three wars: in 1945, his B-29 unit was waiting to be deployed to the South Pacific Theater when the war with Japan ended; in 1950, his B-26 reserve unit was the first to be recalled for the Korean Conflict; in the late 1960's, during the Vietnam War, he again resumed his active military career as a C-124 Globe Master of Military Air Lift Transport. His duty required transporting oversized equipment and bringing troops back to the U.S. Jack retired from the military with the rank of full colonel. Upon his retirement from both of his careers in Southern California, Jack accepted the position of Senior Captain and Training Officer of the newly formed non-volunteer Aptos Fire Department. He and his family relocated to Aptos in 1972. Jack loved his time at the Aptos Fire Department and enjoyed living in the beauty of the Central Coast. Jack played handball for fifty years before and after his retirement, playing in tournaments throughout the United States. He participated in the Boy Scout program with his sons. Camping in the High Sierras with his family was a real favorite with Jack. He very much enjoyed the experience of being a host family in his home for Japanese exchange students. His retirement years were filled with traveling the continents of the world and interacting with various cultures. Jack had five children: Jeffrey, Janelle, Gregory, Jill Anne, and Julie. His family continues to grow with grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, and now, four great, great, great grandchildren. My husband felt greatly blessed to be so loved by his family. He was a fine man, loyal and true, and could light up a room with his infectious laugh. Jacks' last year in his home was made peaceful and beautiful by the excellent and loving care provided by the Hospice staff and his outstanding caregivers, Jake and Frederick. We thank them all from the bottom of our hearts. The service of remembrance and celebration of Jack's life will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church, Center and Lincoln Streets, Santa Cruz on Saturday, November 24, at 12:00 noon. A reception in the parish hall will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations to go to Hospice of Santa Cruz, Habitat for Humanity, or Calvary Preschool. This eulogy was tenderly submitted by Jack's loving wife, Genie.