Vincent DePaul Spear

A graduate of Warren Easton HS, Vincent earned a BS in Engineering and a Masters in Physics from Tulane University. After serving as asst. professor of physics at Tulane, he worked for 40 years in the aerospace industry, helping to design the electrical systems of the Saturn V rocket and Space Shuttle rocket for NASA.

Vincent served in the US Navy in WWII and later in the Air Force Reserve. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini Church and active in civic, church, and school functions.

Well-known for his great sense of humor and sharp wit, Vincent was the author of several published humorous works. He was a die-hard supporter of the Tulane Green Wave and fiercely proud of his hometown New Orleans.

The light of his life for 59 years was his loving wife, Valjean Prestenbach Spear. He was the son of the late Vincent Spear, Sr. and Marie Yvonne Devenport Spear; and the devoted father of Yvonne Perret (Paul), David (Suzanne); Sidney (Peggy); the late Valjean “Gigi” Spear Arbo (David); Jefferson (Julia); Eugenie Fenerty; Ann Francioni (Michael); Laura Authement (Gary). Also survived by grandchildren Paul, Greg, Michelle, Brian, Brandon, Andrew, Kelly, Kevin, Matthew, Christopher, Phillip, Patrick, Michael, Sarah, Joseph, Johnathan & Mary; and great-grandson Paul.

Funeral services will be held at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St. on Friday, Oct. 1, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and Mass of Christian burial at 11:00. Interment will follow in St. Louis #1 Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred for the American Cancer Society or the MS Society. Special thanks to his dedicated caregiver Sandra Lastie and to the staff of Chateau du Notre Dame and St. Joseph Hospice.

Please sign on line guest book at www.schoencanalstreet.com.