CASSELBERRY, FL, AND SAVANNAH, NY: I, John M. Spellman, age 79 from Savannah, NY died on Sunday October 6, 2024 at my home in Casselberry, with my wife Carol and friends with me. I had a heart attack and went quickly to be with Jesus.

I was born on Wednesday, December 6, 1944 at the Lyons Community Hospital in Lyons, NY to Michael and Beatrice (Benson) Spellman. I graduated from Savannah High School in 1965 and the National School of Meatcutters in Toledo, Ohio. I started working for Star Markets in Rochester, NY from 1966 to 1984. Then I opened my own store, Homestead Meats in Savannah from 1984 to 1996. My working career finished with Wayne County Building and Grounds from 1996 t0 2007 in Maintenance and Grounds.

I was blessed being married to two loving and supporting wives; Marlene (VanMeenen) Spellman 1969-1972 who died from a heart attack, and Carol (Buisch) Spellman who I married in 1974. This year we would have celebrated our 50th Anniversary on October 11. I cannot express the deepest emotions of gratitude and commitment that I have for Carol. I have been a life time resident of Savannah living in the family home which has been in our family for three generations.

I have always been interested in local history and in 1984 was appointed the Town of Savannah Historian which I served until 2017. I co-authored “Historical Notes of Savannah” in 1976, and authored “Savannah, A Pictorial History”in 1989 and my final book “Returning to Savannah” in 2007. I would often take people back in time as I impersonated Dr. William Sweeting, a country doctor who created “Flag Salt Remedy,” a powder for Headaches and Neuralgia which was manufactured in Savannah and was shipped around the United States. During the American Bicentennial I organized the events for Savannah and other Wayne County events. Since I became a Historian, I have been a part of the Wayne County Historical Society.

My interest also includes the Clyde Glass Works, Clyde New York, and glassmaking in general with bottles, fruit jars and flasks. In 1986 I produced a Video on the History of the Clyde Glass Works with the help of Steve Groat. I belonged to The Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Empire State and Genesee Valley Bottle Clubs. Since coming to Florida, I have become a member of the Central Florida Insulators Club.

The church always played an important role in our life. I have served as a deacon of the Congregational Church in 1970, and an elder at the Lighthouse Community Fellowship in South Butler from 1980 through 1990. Since coming to Florida, Carol and I became a part of One Church and the Senior’s Connect Group.

I also served as Chairman of the Savannah Alumni Association for several years, the Savannah Rod and Gun, Savannah Community Club, Savannah Chamber of Commerce since its origin until present. For several years I have served the Potato Fest in Savannah, and the Tractor and Engine Club.

I am survived by my wife Carol of 50 years, daughter Heather Spellman Floyd (Our Pride and Joy), her husband Matthew Floyd, Blessed grandchildren, Jonathyn, Emily, Dathyn and Elayna Floyd, of Lake Mary, Florida. I have many nieces and nephews that I enjoyed.  I am predeceased by my parents Beatrice and Micheal Spellman, by my brother Richard Spellman and my sister, Helen Spellman Harper. 

Times of celebration will be held in Longwood, Florida and at the Freedom Life Church in South Butler,New York followed by a cemetery service at the convenience of the family.

n Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your place of worship or the ambulance service closest to you.