Gaspar Joseph Spina

October 29, 1928 – February 5, 2024

Gaspar J. Spina, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Hillsboro Beach, Florida on February 5, 2024. He was 95 years old.

A successful automobile dealership owner in Wayne, New Jersey and a revered restauranteur in both New Jersey and South Florida, Gaspar was born in New York City on October 29, 1928, to Sicilian immigrants Carmello and Frances Spina.

Carmello came to New York City as a young man and eventually became proprietor of a series of restaurants and bars on 9th Avenue. This early exposure inspired Gaspar’s vision to one day open his own restaurant.

Gaspar attended St. Brendan’s Grammar School, St. Francis Prep, and Peekskill Military Academy. After graduating from Peekskill Military Academy, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he was first stationed at Parris Island, SC. Eventually he was deployed in WW II and served in Italy and North Africa.

Following military service, Gaspar returned to New York City and took a job with Chemical Bank on Wall Street. His father, however, wanted him to learn a trade, so he encouraged Gaspar to join him in opening “Spina and Son Bakery” on 9th Avenue and 39th Street. It was there that Gaspar (under the tutelage of a master German baker) learned how to make donuts, coffee cakes, cannoli, and a wide assortment of other pastries.

In early 1950, Gaspar met Catherine Mary Ciri, and they married on June 17, 1950. Their first home was in Woodside, Queens, NY where they welcomed their two sons Peter and Richard.

Experiencing financial pressure and debilitating back injuries, Gaspar made the decision to apply for a job as a car salesman at Jamaica Lincoln Mercury. It was a decision that would alter the course of his life forever. He soon met his future business partner and eventually moved his young family to Florida, where he welcomed another beautiful addition to his family, daughter Francine.

After a successful stint at a Miami car dealership, Gaspar and his partner decided to open a car dealership of their very own in NJ, in 1962, called Paterson Lincoln Mercury. The dealership flourished and in 1969, the partners opened a second location in Wayne, NJ.

In the ensuing years, Wayne Lincoln Mercury would grow to become one of the largest Lincoln dealerships on the East Coast and Gaspar and Catherine would welcome two more children, daughters Janine and Kathryn.

In 1976, aided by his son Richard Spina, Gaspar’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to open a Supper Club eponymously named Gaspar’s, that captured the prevailing “disco era” and created a vibrant nightlife in Wayne, and all surrounding areas of New Jersey.

Amid abundance and good fortune, tragedy struck in April 1979, when his 21-year-old daughter Francine was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. Soon after, his marriage to Catherine ended with a separation.

Despite these hardships, Gaspar continued to work at his restaurant and was blessed with a fourth daughter, Melissa. Being an avid golfer, he became very active at the North Jersey Country Club, where he served as President in 1985-1986. When not on the golf course, Gaspar could be found in the card room playing gin with his lifelong friends.

Though his restaurant was eventually closed, the success of Wayne Lincoln Mercury continued unabated under the leadership of his eldest son, Peter A. Spina. Confident that the dealership was in safe hands, Gaspar decided to relocate to Hillsboro Beach, Florida where he could pursue his passion for golf and indulge his love of boats year-round. A member of Woodfield Country Club and Via Mizner Country Club he met many new friends, among them the woman who would become his second wife, Gloria O’Brien Spina.

Gaspar and Gloria enjoyed 19 wonderful years of travel, golf, friendships, family, and most of all grandchildren. With Gloria’s support and inspiration, Gaspar also came to a fuller embrace of his spirituality.

His sense of humor and generosity will long be remembered.

Gaspar Spina is survived by his wife, Gloria, his sons Peter Spina/Rona, and Richard Spina/Jamie; his daughters Janine Spina Dattolo, Kathryn Spina, and Melissa Spina Heskett/George; his brother Robert Spina/Alda; 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; the tenth due in May 2024, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is also survived by his stepson, Gene O’Brien/Aileen, his stepson, Dr. Kevin O’Brien/Audrey, his stepdaughter Kelly Healey/Dave and 6 step grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his daughter Francine Spina, his brother Peter Spina, his former wife Catherine Spina and his sisters, Tina Spina and Jeanne Orlando.

Services

Florida:

Funeral mass will be held at St. Ambrose Church in Deerfield Beach, Florida on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 9:30 A.M., followed by a repast at Matteo’s in Boca Raton, Florida.

New Jersey:

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s RC Church in Pompton Lakes, NJ. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to The Padre Pio Foundation of America and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.