Mariners Harbor Yacht Club is sad to announce the passing of Commodore Frank Spero Jr.

Commodore Spero passed away Saturday evening, April 25, at the clubs Commodore’s Ball.

Eulogy by Vice Commodore Ray Castellano at the service for Frank Spero on April 30, 2009

I remember about 5 years ago Tommy Pelicano brought this new guy down to the club. He came to me and introduced him to me and said this is my friend Frank. He is a good guy with a lot of energy. Let me tell you Tommy that was the biggest understatement I ever heard.

Frank Spero was a great guy, and a great friend to all who needed one. I can’t begin to tell you how much this man meant to me, my wife Brenda and my son Joseph. He was like the older brother I never had, the teacher you could never forget, and the coach whose team you wished you played on for the rest of your life.

I spoke to Frank every day, and Rose and Brenda used to kid us about it. But you see, many of his friends went back with him a lot of years, and I was trying to make up for lost time. I know Frank was in constant pain with his legs. He used to talk about it, but it never slowed him down. He was always pushing and always on the go, and he always had a strong sense of purpose. Whether he was cooking, cleaning, planning, advising, teaching or just plain listening, he did it with a passion.

Down at the Mariners Harbor Yacht Club, Frank was the Commodore, and I had the honor of being his Vice Commodore. He was a breath of fresh air and a real touch of class. We at MHYC lost a great leader on Saturday @ 9:22. He was a huge presence and he left his mark on the club and on all of his friends there. The improvements he made to the club will be cherished for years to come. 

Frank had a saying when he felt a person wasn’t living up to his expectations. Frank would say “don’t worry Ray I am taking him under my wing”. I am sure that I am not alone when I say Frank, thank you for taking me under your wing. I love you and I will miss you, but I will never forget you.