Deacon Mark Spero

Deacon Mark Spero, beloved husband, father, man of deep faith, and artist, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Egypt on January 25, 1947, Deacon Mark lived a life marked by devotion to God, creativity, compassion, and honesty.

Deacon Mark graduated from veterinary school in Egypt and proudly worked as a veterinarian before beginning a new chapter in life by immigrating to the United States in 1977. In 1978, his beloved wife, Barbara, and their one-year-old son, Edward, joined him. Deacon Mark built a new life in the United States and in 1982 welcomed their daughter, Annetta into the family.

Deacon Mark graduated from the Antiochian House of Studies, and earned a diploma from St. Stephen's Theological Studies. As a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox community, Mark faithfully served as a deacon at the Saints Peter and Paul in Boulder for 10 years before returning home to Assumption Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church in Denver, Colorado. He also worked for many years as the church’s building manager, where he became known for his dedication, kindness, and willingness to help. His church community was an extension of his family, and his service to the Greek and Antiochian Orthodox Communities touched countless lives over the years.

Deacon Mark was a man of many talents and passions. Entirely self-taught, he learned to play the oud. He was also deeply artistic, spending countless hours creating wood-burned pictures, oil paintings, and unique Picasso-inspired works of art that reflected his creativity. There was never anything he could not build with his woodworking talents. He was always a handyman who could fix or restore virtually anything.

Above all, Deacon Mark cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to Barbara, a loving father to his son Edward and daughter Annetta, and a source of wisdom, humor, and support to those who knew him best.

Deacon Mark’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the faith he practiced, and the art he created. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Visitation will be held at St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church, 9302 Riverview Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112, US, on May 28, 2026, at 9:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on May 28, 2026, at 10:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119, on May 28, 2026, at 11:30 am, and a Reception to Follow will be held at St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church, 9302 Riverview Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112, on May 28, 2026.