Thomas Jeffrey Spears, 66, of Northford passed away peacefully into the loving embrace of the Lord, on January 14, 2018 at Connecticut (Branford) Hospice. He was the loving and devoted husband of Ruth Spears for 42 years. Son of the late Joseph and Dorothy Spears, Tom grew up in Milford and Orange. He graduated from Admiral Farragut Honor Naval Academy in St. Petersburg, FL then earned his BS in business management and his MBA from the University of New Haven. Tom worked at the U.S. Headquarters of Saab/Scania as a National Warranty Specialist and during that time, he traveled around the U.S teaching warranty seminars and investigating and resolving warranty policies, procedures and ports of entry regarding warranty policy compliances. He developed materials and conducted training seminars for field staff and dealers throughout the U.S. When he returned home he’d always surprise Ruth with special gifts from where he had been, some of which included handmade miniature totem poles from the Pacific Northwest, Hopi Kachina dolls from Arizona and Navajo pottery. When Saab moved its headquarters to Georgia, Tom took a position with Standard Motor Products (Echlin Inc., Dana Corp.) in Branford where he was an Electronic Catalog Coordinator and Researcher. He served as a liaison to the company’s largest customers regarding electronic data issues. Tom developed and administered the system for tracking, investigating customer and internally reported data discrepancies, final resolutions and follow up. His system reduced expenses and increased company sales dramatically. He was a thorough problem solver who built high performance teams and streamlined processes. After retiring from the business world, Tom took a permanent substitute teacher job at Guilford High School and loved working with the administration, staff and students for a number of years. Throughout his life he had a fascination with model and cogwheel trains. In his opinion, there was nothing better than the cogwheel train chugging and puffing its way through the clouds to Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. Anywhere Tom and Ruth traveled, one could be sure Tom would find a train for an exciting ride. He and Ruth enjoyed trips to Germany, Austria and Switzerland and loved cruises to Bermuda and other islands. Tom was member of the University Glee Club of New Haven, Hermann’s Sohns CT State Grand Lodge, and was a Master Mason of Hiram Lodge #1 of New Haven. Ruth and Tom were also members of the Harugari German American Club. Many, many thanks to kind, caring and supportive family members, friends, neighbors, GHS staff, University Glee Club, Masons and Hermann Sohn’s members who have supported Tom and Ruth during the difficult year, Tom was ill. Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth, his sister Heather Davidson (Bernard) of Augusta, GA, his sister-in-law Beth Bifano (Marc) of Washington Crossing, PA, beloved niece Sarah Thomas (Cathy Armando) of Irving, TX, special nephew Al Johnson (Cindy) and his devoted, loving little dachshund, Freddie. Predeceased by his Johnson brothers, Ernest, Robert, James, John and sister, Joan Rowatt, Other Johnson siblings include Katherine Bischoff, Ronald Fiorillo, and Albert Johnson.
The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connecticut Branford Hospice at 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405.
Tom was both a good friend and a co-worker at GHS . He will be missed for a very long time. He was a very easy person to like .
Dear Ruth, I was a bridesmaid in your beautiful wedding. What a sweet couple you were. I feel so blessed to have known such a brave soul. He was and will be an inspiration to us all. Love, Cousin Carol, Joe and Chuckie. You are in our prayers.
My deepest condolences to Ruth and family. As a member of Hiram Lodge #1 in New Haven, Tom was such an enthusiastic and positive presence. He was always willing to lend a hand and be involved. A person who truly cared about others. I think I will always remember my friend as a man who’s optimism was constant and contagious, who always had a smile and who cared deeply for the people he loved as well as his community. I hope we can all learn a lesson by his character in the face of overwhelming odds. I think I’m a better person for knowing him.
I would first like to send my deepest sorrows to his family and extend an apology for their lost. I was a student at ghs who had the privilege of being substituted by mr. Spears I remember how caring he was for the education of the students he taught and he always tried his best to keep everything under control. I used to love sitting and listening to his stories or having a heated conversation about politics you will be missed
Ruth so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We wish to express our sincerest condolences to Tom’s loving family. You have shown such strength of character during this tumultuous year long battle. We will always remember Ruth and Tom’s bravery as they fought together as a team to beat the overwhelming odds stacked against them. God bless you.
Sending my condolences to Mr. Spears’ family and friends. As a member of the class of 2017 at GHS, I got to know Mr. Spears well over my four years at GHS. He was always all about business first, and I respected him and the great job he did. I grew to learn that once I got to know him better, he had an awesome sense of humor, I enjoyed sharing some laughs and joking around with him. He was truly a great man, he took his job seriously and cared for all his students. After reading about his entire journey, I see this was just a small stop of his life journey. I am sure that everyone else who came to know him during his time feels the same way about him. I was privileged to know him and I am saddened to hear of his loss. God bless, I wish his family the best.
Tom and I met when we were 13. No one ever had a better friend. We attended Admiral Farragut Academy together and later we both worked at Saab Scania. I was the Best Man at Tom and Ruth’s wedding and they were Godparents to my first born son, Kaleb. I and my family will miss him so very much.
Ruth, my condolences to you on Tom’s untimely death. I remember your courtship, your wedding, & how devoted you were to each other. I understand the support of the Masonic community, as my Dad was Master of Cosmopolitan Lodge, & their presence for the family was a blessing.
“In the garden of memory, in the place of dreams… that is where you and I shall meet.” Alice Through the Looking Glass. I ‘ve have always treasured this quote. My heart is broken; know I will always be there for you. May Tom Rest In Peace.
Ruth, we were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing and very sorry for you loss. But know that he will be ever present in your memory and forever in your heart.
Though I only met Tom several times – and his lovely wife, Ruth – these occurred over the last 33 years with his sister, Heather. I always found Tom to be warm, funny, very interested in other people, and remarkably easy to talk with. He struck me as a true gentleman and someone who inspires the phrase “salt of the earth.” A good man. We will all be poorer without him.
Dear Ruth,
Tom will always be in our hearts. He will be greatly missed, for he touched the lives of many of us, family, friends and students alike. Ruth we pray for you at this most difficult time. God Bless, Donna and Dave
personal favorite substitute at GHS. My condolences
So sorry for your loss, Ruth. Tom was such a nice guy and fun to be around. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless xo
We are (were) friends of Ruth and Tom – we’ve been at their home, they’ve been at ours, anad we had a great time together. It is so sad that he had to leave so ealry and under these circumstances. He is absent now, but the memories of him will stay here for ever.