John Joseph Spires

NEWBURYPORT - John Joseph Spires, Jr., 70, of Newburyport MA and formerly of Andover MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 15, 2022, following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Carlene (LaFrenier) Spires; their three children, Leah (Spires) Murnane and her husband Patrick of Newburyport, MA, John Spires, III “Jay” and his wife Kaitlin (Noonan) of Scarborough, ME, and Rebecca Spires and her partner Gabriel Bernardo of Anaheim, CA; their five adored grandchildren, Quinn, Grace, and Ella Murnane and John Spires IV “Jack” and Anna Spires; and his devoted Golden Retriever, Poe.

John also leaves his brother Craig Spires and his wife Claire; his sister Kathie Oliver and her husband Bill; and his brother Mark Spires and his wife Karen. He was preceded in death by his parents, John J. Spires Sr “Jack” and Katherine (Cunningham) “Kay” Spires. John will also be missed by his mother in-law, Adele LaFrenier; his sister in-laws, Adrienne, Audrey, and Elisa, and their spouses; and his many nieces and nephews.

John grew up and spent most of his life in Andover, MA, graduating from Andover High School in 1970, where he was on the boy’s gymnastics team. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Marketing and Business Law. John was a respected, hard worker, excelling in sales and management due in large part to his ability to be a friend to all, and to his particular brand of humor. His career included positions as New England District Manager for Wix Filter Corp.; Northeast Sales Manager for Dryden Oil Company; Northern U.S. Sales Manager for Castrol Heavy Duty Lubricants; and Distributor/Broker for MVP Associates, Inc.

John’s greatest love was his family. His wife, Carlene, was his best friend and soulmate since their teenage years. They loved traveling together, family vacations, spending time with their many friends, and being on the water. His children were his absolute pride and joy. John was always ready, able, and willing to support their growth, passions, and adventures. Each grandchild was a most precious gift, especially in his later years. John surrounded himself with good friends and lots of laughs.

John loved to ski, and in keeping with his love for kids, was a ski instructor for many seasons at Mt. Sunapee NH. He also loved golf, especially with his Wednesday golf league; music, particularly playing the drums in his band; and especially the beach, where he spent many happy vacations, always providing endless laughter and entertainment for the kids, building sandcastles and ball runs, fishing with the guys, and later, boating in the Merrimack and offshore.

There are not enough words to express the loss of someone who was such a presence in so many lives. John was an exceptional and devoted family man, to his wife, children, and grandchildren; and to his siblings and their families; and was a wonderful big brother to his in-laws, stepping in as the “man of the family” back in 1972. He will be sorely missed by all.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of John’s life on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, with visitation from 3:00 to 6:00 PM and a tribute to John’s life beginning at 3:30 PM. The celebration will be held at Steeple Hall at Mission Oak Grill, 26 Green Street, Newburyport, MA. Parking is available on the street, in the Green Street Lot, or in the parking garage located at 2 Titcomb Street in Newburyport.

John’s family is grateful for the care that he received at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. We would especially like to thank Dr. Sam Klempner for his diligence in trying to help John in his battle. John was an eager participant in cancer research studies and clinical trials in hopes of advancing the future of cancer treatments. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of John J. Spires may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center in honor of Dr. Sam Klempner to support gastric/esophageal cancer research. Please reference fund 234806. Gifts can be made online at www.massgeneral.org/donate or mailed to Megan Coons in the MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114, with checks made payable to MGH Cancer Center, Gastric/Esophageal Cancer. Donations may also be made to Guide Dogs of America, online at https://give.guidedogsofamerica.org/give/384790/#!/donation/checkout, or mailed to Guide Dogs of America, 13445 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342; note in memory of John J. Spires.

Arrangments by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com