Francis Ralph Sprecco

Francis Ralph Sprecco was born 04-20-1928, in Oneonta, New York, to Frank and Theresa (Farone) Sprecco. He left New York in 1948, enlisting in The United States Air Force until being Honorably Discharged in 1952. While stationed in Arizona, he fell in love with Gretchen Mary Lindenau, and on May 5th of 1951, they began a marriage spanning over 67 years, eventually moving to Lakeside where they raised 15 children, 38 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter. Ralph Sprecco’s loves were his faith, his beautiful wife, his family, music, the outdoors, and traveling. He was active in his parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lakeside, teaching religious education, coaching the school’s football team, becoming involved in the Cursillo Movement, Christian Family Movement, Catholic Youth Organization, Secular Franciscan Order, and always encouraging his children to be just as active. His love of music was passed on to his children and grandchildren. No Sprecco gathering is considered complete until the guitars and the Karaoke Machines come out! All his children have beautiful memories of sitting on his lap while he’d strum the guitar singing “I know a little blue-eyed baby," or “Suzanne takes you down," although his propensity for making up lyrics he didn’t know left us all with warped versions of popular songs! In more recent years, he became “The Visiting Cowboy” reading to the students at Lakeview Elementary School.

He was an active member of the El Cajon Police Department’s Reserve Program for many years, then switched to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Reserve Program. In the 1950’s and 60’s, dad was an old-school lineman, running power lines from Arizona to California. He gave us goose bumps with his tales of strapping on climbing spikes and a strap to climb 100 foot poles. “No hydraulic lifts for us!” After retiring from the Phone Company in 1982, he went to work for the San Diego County Marshal’s Office for almost a decade working as a Court Service Officer in the San Diego and El Cajon Courts. After retiring AGAIN, he and his beautiful bride traveled the world, visiting the Holy Land, crisscrossing Europe, and then as they slowed a little bit, joining the Valley Travelers where they continued their traveling ways touring within this beautiful country. An avid outdoorsman, his children and grandchildren had the joys of accompanying him on hundreds of camping trips, fishing trips to Alaska and Mexico, big game hunting trips to New York and Washington, numerous pheasant hunts and of course the crown jewel, the traditional trek to the desert every September 1st for The Dove Opener!

Ralph never tired of introducing Gretchen as “his lovely bride.” Their love and devotion to each other are a shining example of what the ideal marriage looks like. As Gretchen slipped further into Alzheimer’s grip, Ralph became the primary care giver, handling the cooking, cleaning and tirelessly doting after “his lovely bride.” Ralph bravely fought cancer for 7 years before the Lord finally called him home. His daughter Angie, and best friends Charlie Lutack and Jack Ninteman undoubtedly were holding the pearly gates open for him. A much-loved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend to so many, he will be missed.

He was preceded in death by a son, Francis, a daughter Angelina, sisters Fonda Hurlburt (Stuart), Theresa Howland (Charlie), and Angie Brienza. He is survived by his brother Tony Sprecco (Shirley), 13 children, Francine Sprecco, Michael Sprecco (Beverly), Patrick Sprecco (Alma), Paul Sprecco (Angelica), Mari Sprecco, Joe Sprecco (Christy), Teri Sprecco (Bill Graham), Cathy Sprecco, Chris Sprecco (Angelina), Suzy Morris (Paul), Gerry Sprecco (Jennifer), Dominic Sprecco (Roxanne), and Toni Cashman (Timothy), 38 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s San Diego. They have been a tremendous source of comfort and support to both Ralph and Gretchen as Gretchen has fought this disease. http://bit.ly/SpreccoALZ