Obituaries

Joseph Peter Spereno of Playa del Rey passed away in Los Angeles on May 11, 2015, surrounded by family and friends.

Joe was born on March 16, 1946 in Oswego to Joseph and Mary Margaret (Raby) Spereno.

Joe's education was extensive. After graduating from Oswego High School in 1964, he earned a bachelor's degree from Fredonia State and a degree in business administration from Albany State. He interned in various administrative areas at Oswego State and was Entertainment Director at Brockport State.

His heart's devotion was to music, and he played in a number of local rock bands. He started his career in the music industry in New York, and he ultimately moved to L.A. In this capacity he worked on a first-name basis with such talents as Isaac Hayes, Tom Petty, ELO, Liberace, and many, many more. He had a successful second career working in sales and communications as an Executive Account Manager for NEC Unified Solutions.

In recent years Joe loved to volunteer at such functions as Dream Halloween, which was founded by a Mattel executive for children affected by AIDS, and he also dedicated his time to Special Olympics.

Joe was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by siblings Bob (Deb) Spereno of Crescent City, FL; Nancy Spereno of Oswego, NY; and Ron (Lisa) Spereno, his best trout fishing buddy, of Mexico, NY. He also leaves three nieces – Melissa (Brian) Klefbeck, Julia (Timothy) Simpson, and Danielle Usnomal; two nephews, Joseph Eric and Christopher Dean Spereno; a great-niece and two great-nephews. In addition, Joe is survived by lifelong friends Sam Domicolo, Rick King, and his most trusted confidante, Janice Solis.

There are no services at this time, however donations may be made to Special Olympics in Joe's name. There will also be a family and friends memorial gathering planned for the summer.