John F. Speer's Obituary
John F. Speer Jr., 82, of South Bethany Beach, Delaware, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2014 at his residence. He was born on January 15, 1932 in Staten Island, NY, son of the late John F. Speer, Sr. and Frances Speer.
John moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 1958 upon completion of his Masters in Agriculture Economics from Pennsylvania State University and named a Distinguished Alumni Fellow in 1981 by the university. He worked for the International Association of Ice Cream Manufacturers and the Milk Industry Association for 30 years, retiring as President and CEO of both organizations in 1988 (which merged to form what is now International Dairy Foods Association).
John was involved in various industry organizations both domestic and international, served as President of the National Association Executives Club and was appointed by President Carter to the Natural Gas & Energy task force in 1978. He launched the annual Ice Cream for America celebration on Capitol Hill, now in its 32 year, and was responsible for creating legislation signed by President Reagan in 1984 establishing July as National Ice Cream Month and July 15 National Ice Cream Day.
After his retirement, John embarked on a second career in real estate before retiring permanently to South Bethany Beach, DE and Jupiter, FL. He became very involved in the South Bethany community and historical society, enjoyed golfing, spending time with family and meeting new friends.
He is survived by his cherished wife Celeste McDermott Speer; his four children of Fairfax County, VA - Christie (Roger) Price, John F. Speer III, Dawn (Taylor) Young, Cathy (Robert) McKinnell; and six grandchildren Kelly, Nicole, John Taylor, Courtney, John (Jack) and Decker, and two sisters, Hope Fagan (Tequesta, FL) and Sarah Walter (Chicago, IL).
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 1:00 PM at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 34874 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: South Bethany Historical Society, C/O SB Town Hall, 402 Evergreen Road, South Bethany, Delaware 19930
Please sign John’s online guestbook at this site.
PDF Printable Version
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?