Book of Memories for Daniel P. Speca

Story shared: One reason I became a dad:

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 10:48:58 EST

(Consumer tip: Write your story elsewhere, and then paste it here, else you may do what I just did, which is type it here, hit the wrong button, and then delete it. Take Two:)

One of the best experiences of my life is my multi-decade friendship with Dan’s brother Gerry, through which happy association I got to know brother Jay (finally!) and Dan, over 25 years ago.

It was all those years ago, at the annual Speca/Haley Thanksgiving Soiree, that I got to meet Dan and Mary, and their two (at the time) lovely daughters, Monica and the recently-arrived Maria, for the first time.

At that point in our lives, Donna and I were considering the possibility of becoming adoptive parents ourselves, and I was struck by the thorough delight evinced by Dan and Mary with their new addition.

I’d known Dan about an hour, but I felt as though I’d always known him, so I was thoroughly comfortable talking to him about the experience of becoming an adoptive parent, the process, the aftermath, etc., and finally I asked him, “What ultimately made you decide that it was the right choice for you and your wife?”

He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “I have faith: God doesn’t make mistakes, he wants what’s best for me, and he wants what’s best for you, so don’t worry… Whatever you decide will be the right decision for you.”

A year or so later, Donna and I began the first of two (although we had no inkling at the time that we would be doing it more than once) adoption journeys, and thereby started the process of giving ourselves the two greatest gifts which we have ever received.

Our daughter and son (we brought them home in that order, a year apart) are both in college now, and have spent almost every Thanksgiving of their lives at the Speca/Haley Soiree, which means that they, too, have had the great good fortune of getting to know Dan, Mary and their THREE kids (who are now, of course, all grown up).

There is no greater gamble to be taken in human experience than the decision to become a parent (or not) by whatever means…

From the first time I saw Dan after our first child came home to us, and every time since, I made it a point to let him know that he and Mary, by their joyous example, were as much responsible for my coming around to Donna’s wish to take that gamble as any other reason I can remember.

Dan Speca was one of the most thoroughly decent human beings I have ever known, I will miss him, and I will be forever in his debt.

R.I.P.

Condolence From G. Andrew Maness

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:55:41 EST

Dear, dear, Mary and Girls, Donna, the kids, and I send you our warmest thoughts and love as we share with you, in some small way, the loss of one of the most thoroughly decent people we have ever known. God Bless you and yours this Holiday season, and we hope we get to see all of you in the near future.

Condolence From Craig McConnell

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 15:24:46 EST

I had the true privilege of getting to know Dan over the last eight months. He always greeted me with a strong handshake, positive outlook and infectious smile. It was during our meetings that it became abundantly clear the focus was never about him, but it was for Mary and his family. I feel so fortunate to have known Dan, even though that time was all to brief. He made such an impact with his strength and compassion. I am profoundly saddened for your loss. Dan was truly one of a kind. May he rest in eternal peace.

Story shared: The Crush

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 12:07:59 EST

High school is a time to be young and sometimes stupid. Well at Carlynton we where no exception to the rule. Tony, Dan,George,Bob, Joe, Ed and me usually sat at the same table for four years. Talking about the usually goofy things eating and laughing. At some point in time you would hear Dan say what is that I hear in the distance? Is that a rumble ? Of course everyone started a low banging on the table which would get a bit louder and some one would offer up in a bag some crumbs not eaten and send the bag down the table which would ulitmatlly get pounded by everyone. Often Mr. Jones was on duty near us and if it seemed we where getting to loud he started to twist his class ring which meant to take it down a bit. Of course no one was hurt but it was usually Dan who sensed we needed a Community crush certain days to pick us up. Again Dan just loved to laugh and so did we.

Story shared: Cup Cakes

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:58:17 EST

During our high school days the Hudson Brothers had a Saturday TV show which was kind of funny even for teenagers. Come Mondays at school Dan and I would campare notes abbout the show. One episode was about space travelers who where going to different bases in outer space and of course before take off they would always take to checking the supplies. They ran down the list and finally come to the cup cakes and the fact that the cup cakes had been secure. Then they would salute each other starting at the top their heads and then ulitimately choping their faces with the salute brining a laugh every time. The space ship takes off and of course has some turbulance once then land they check everything and once they get to the cup cakes they are always smashed. The line then goes someone on this planet does like cup cakes. It maybe dumb but so many times Dan and I would laugh and great each other with the cup cake line. Just always being a guy who loved to laugh at some of the simplest things.

Story shared: The 200 Pound javlin

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:48:48 EST

When Dan was at Shippensburg University throwing javlin the local Carnegie news paper wrote a small story about Dan's explots throwing the javlin. It was stated that Dan Speca 200 pound javlin thrower had done well during the season at Shippensburg. Well when my dad saw the write up he could not stop laughing and the next time he saw Dan he asked how hard it must have been to throw a 200 pound javlin. Dan as usual played along with my dad enjoying the moment and the laugh. Every time my dad saw Dan he asked about his 200 pound javlin. Any time I saw Dan after that I as well asked about his 200 pound javlin. It always brought a laugh which was what was always beatiful about Dan. He loved to laugh or make a joke about thnigs.

Condolence From The Smith Family

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 08:46:37 EST

We are so sorry for your loss. We share in your grief. We always enjoyed having conversations with Dan in the middle of the road or at the end of the driveway. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all that you find strength to get through this. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we can do anything to help.

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Sun, 12 Nov 2017 23:10:17 EST

Condolence From Gerry Hall

Sun, 12 Nov 2017 17:39:34 EST

Dan was a great guy and always a support in high school and after. He always did have something to make you laugh. Dan also had great wisdom and everyone wanted his counsel. You will be missed. May Mary and your girls always find your love in their memories. Now may you enjoy your time with God in all his splendor. Peace.

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Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:52:07 EST

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"FatRat"

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Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:52:06 EST

Our little bro & our mother

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Sun, 12 Nov 2017 13:52:06 EST

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Sat, 11 Nov 2017 17:06:52 EST

Relaxed & happy... what a smile!

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Sat, 11 Nov 2017 17:05:14 EST

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Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:59:28 EST

Monica's Graduation

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Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:55:23 EST

Condolence From Doug & Kathy Saltus

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 18:08:33 EST

Our profound sadness on Dan's passing. Will remember him always as an inspiration of Faith and hope for another tomorrow. Hugs Kathy & Doug

Condolence From Kevin Kilroy

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 09:52:21 EST

Dan is such a great guy - always smiling, always positive. Rarely did I see him where I wasn't greeted with not just a handshake, but also a big bear hug. He is one of the people who convinced me that hugging could be a 'super power'. I am SO fortunate that he shared his super powers with me and my family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Speca family.

Condolence From Lyn Shaffer

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 14:11:47 EST

Dearest Mary - I know your sorrow is great, and I'm so sorry for this. Life is best when we are surrounded by those we love. When they leave us, they take our heart with them. I hope you are sustained by your faith, by sweet memories, and by hope of an eternal reunion.

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Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:42:07 EST

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Condolence From Kristi Jordan

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 12:38:43 EST

Dear Mary, My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray you find comfort in the memories left behind and comfort knowing he is now at peace. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kristi

Condolence From Jane Veliky

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 09:46:08 EST

It was with great sadness that we've learned of Dan's passing. Dan had a big heart and kind soul and was so proud of all his girls. Being his 'cube mate' for years, we started every morning with events of our families; investment strategies; sports; and any guidance needed. I looked forward to every morning because I knew it started with laughter and a smile. Dan was a dear friend will be dearly missed. May your many memories of Dan help to sustain you at this most difficult time.

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Thu, 09 Nov 2017 03:51:43 EST

Condolence From Becky Baker

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:38:45 EST

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mr. Speca was always smiling and jovial, with a kind word for me whenever I saw him. Many thoughts and prayers to his family.

Condolence From Devlin Family

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 22:12:28 EST

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Dan was a great man, a better father, and always a gentleman. May he rest in peace with God.

Condolence From Rob Riordan and Judy Halpern

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:47:08 EST

Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. We were so blessed to have a visit from Michaela last spring and have kept up with Dan a bit through Gerry. We share your sorrow, even at a distance. Rob and Judy.

Condolence From Katie Vedyshev

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:06:13 EST

Thoughts and prayers go out to Dan's family and closest friends. Dan was my coworker, our entire team is grieving. Dan will be missed and remembered by many.

Condolence From Your Neighbor

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 14:32:17 EST

Please allow me to express my deepest condolences for your family's loss. I hope that you will find comfort in the real hope that the Bible gives of being reunited with your loved one again. In the Bible at John 5:28, 29 it reads, "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.". The Bible there promises that your loved one will come back to life again in the resurrection. (Acts 24:15) The Bible also promises that soon death will be no more. (Revelation 21:3, 4) I encourage you to visit JW.org for more information about this wonderful hope.

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Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:07:28 EST

Summer 2017!

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Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:06:50 EST

Dad's sunshine!

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The very beginning- 1981.

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Wed, 08 Nov 2017 10:57:01 EST

The very beginning

Condolence From Jason

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 10:56:02 EST

Dan was an amazing coworker, but more importantly an even better person/man. Being around him just made you feel better about the day no matter what was going on with work. I will cherish my time spent with him talking more about life than work. From our conversations, I knew what a kind person he was. He loved his family. I will miss him and his wonderful smile. I wish I had gotten a chance to see him more recently. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

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Wed, 08 Nov 2017 10:52:58 EST

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Condolence From Tony

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:33:59 EST

May God bless and keep you all. Even though Dan is finally at rest, I am heartbroken for your loss. Our family is always here for you.

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Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:23:23 EST

At Dominic's Baptism

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Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:09:59 EST

With 70s Hair!

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Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:08:12 EST

25th Carlynton High School reunion 2007

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Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:08:12 EST

25th Carlynton High School reunion 2007

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Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:08:12 EST

25th Carlynton High School reunion 2007

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Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:08:12 EST

25th Carlynton High School reunion 2007