Dr. M. Roy Spezia

Dr. M. Roy Spezia, a longtime resident of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at home in the loving arms of his youngest son, Tom. The proud American son of northern Italian emigrants, Manuel and Antonietta(Nettie) Spezia, he was 93.

Roy graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1945 where he was class president. He immediately entered the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II serving honorably as a meteorologist until his discharge at a rank of Sergeant.

After military service, Roy began his studies at the University of Detroit, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He commenced post graduate studies at the University of Detroit Dental School graduating number four in his class in 1955. His scholarship, combined with a strong work ethic, led to his building a successful east side dental practice, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. Among his peers, Roy’s dental work from simple fillings to complex crown & bridge was recognized as outstanding. His patients, some of which were generational, often said he was one of the best…a gentile dentist, whose work was still intact after 30 years. Because he recognized the importance of a welcoming smile to a person’s health, well-being and future aspirations, he donated his dental services to the underserved and religious communities.

Roy was a self-made man. He was the family trailblazer among his siblings, being the first to graduate university including professional school. This achievement served as an inspirational example to his many nieces and nephews who went on to higher education and successful careers.

In 1955 Roy married Delores Vogler whom he met at a Catholic dance. They were married for 65 years, having just celebrated that anniversary on October 1. Together they raised five children.

Roy instilled in his children the importance of education, hard work, self-reliance and of doing your best. He took the time to teach his children, daughter or son, how to cut the grass/bushes, paint a room, plant a garden or refinish a desk. Passing down family traditions was also important. Whether making spaghetti/ravioli to Italian sausage at the holidays, Roy taught them how to do it, a tradition carried on today. It was sheer pleasure for Roy to sit down to a homemade Bolognese spaghetti dinner with a glass of wine shared among family and friends.

Roy was not all work and no play. He often flooded the backyard in winter to create an ice pond for his and neighborhood kids to skate. He enjoyed taking his children to Tiger baseball games, vacationing for time together and going to church on Sunday as a family. For himself, he loved to bowl and carried an average in the 200s. The simple things of life gave him pleasure in keeping with his modest and reserved nature.

Roy was not only proud of his children but relished his role as a grandfather. Having been blessed with a long life, he was present for all sorts of events from school plays, sports, graduations and the awarding of professional degrees. But most important were family gatherings, beginning with grandchild baptisms to Christmas and Easter family dinners. He was extremely proud of them and proud of having a strong, tight-knit extended family.

In his retirement, Roy enjoyed the simple pleasures—sitting on his backyard patio enjoying blooming flowers and singing birds, watching a Turner Classic Movie or traveling to Ohio, Florida and Texas to visit family and friends.

Roy was the beloved husband of Delores; loving father of Nancy J. Spezia, Esq., Susan M. Klapchar,RDH, (Dr. Richard), Roy A. Spezia, Esq., (Karen), Kenneth J. and Thomas J.; dearest grandfather of Dr. Michael T. Klapchar (Dr. Amanda) and Dr. Kimberly S. Klapchar; dearest great-grandfather of smiling Sarah K. Klapchar; special uncle of Dr. James Vogler (Jill), Dr. Harold Vogler (Tina), Louis DeGennaro, Jr., Esq. (Carol), Joseph DeGennaro, CPA (Mary Ann); Dr. Ronald Spezia (Ruth), and Kathleen Stevenson, Esq. (the late George Stevenson), Donald Garavaglia, Esq., Dr. Philip Garvalgia, David Garvaglia, Terry Vogler (Margurite), Sharon Vogler, Gretchen Dimmer (William), and Max Vogler (Diane). He was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Rosalie DeGennaro, Anthony J. Spezia, and Virginia Garavaglia; nieces, Charlene Klemczak (Jonathan) and Virginia Vogler; and a nephew, Robert DeGennaro (Margaret).

Visitation will be from 2-8 pm on Friday, December 4 at A.H. Peters, Grosse Pointe Woods location. A funeral Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road, Grosse Pointe Woods.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be made to Better Way Detroit, P.O. Box 2923, Detroit, MI 48202, or through their website at: betterwaydetroit.org or The Capuchins, 1820 Mt. Elliot St., Detroit, MI 48207, or through their website at: thecapuchins.org/ministries/Detroit.