Edward J. Spear

Eddie, as he was known by all who loved him was born in Portland on May 3, 1954 to Norman and Cecelia (Kane) Spear, the youngest of their five sons.

He graduated from Portland High School, where he was an avid student athlete, particularly interested in basketball. In his youth Eddie was a devout Catholic and had considered entering the priesthood at one time. 

He has been described by his relatives as a “fine young man” in his teens. In his final year of high school he began to show signs of what would subsequently become a severe, chronic mental illness. This curtailed some of his dreams and he lived with his parents into his adulthood. When his parents were no longer able to care for him, he became a beloved member of the Shalom House Community and has lived in several of their residences in Portland over the years.

Eddie was a man who was very pleasant and welcoming and would say he believed in “only goodness and kindness to everybody.” He would greet the staff at his residence by opening the door for them and saying “welcome to your second home.”

Even though Eddie lived on a limited income, he was very generous to his friends and would give away small amounts of money and items to help them out. He often put the needs of others before his own. For many years he enjoyed long walks around the city of Portland and watching basketball games.

In recent years Eddie had a close relationship with his Aunt Ann Balzano until her death in June of 2011, calling her most days.

He is predeceased by his parents Norman and Cecelia Spear as well as his brother Thomas Spear. He is survived by his brothers Norman, Michael both of Portland and Coleman Spear and his wife Nancie of Windham as well as all the staff at Shalom House who have worked with and cared for him over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland with Rev. Lawrence Conley.

Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 981 Forest Ave. Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Eddie’s guestbook.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Eddie’s memory to:

Shalom House Inc.

106 Gilman Street

Portland, ME 04102