Obituary of Howard A. Sperrey

Howard Andrew Sperrey, 80, passed away on December 6, 2021, in Presque Isle at a nursing facility after a long illness. He was born on May 26, 1941, in Washburn, Maine the son of Robert Sperrey and Joyce Bennett. Howard graduated from Washburn Highschool’s Class of 1959. He and his wife of 60+ years raised their family in Washburn, like many of his relatives before him, as this town has been “home” to the Sperrey family since the late 1800s. Howard was a dedicated professional. He gave over 40 years of service to Sears, Roebuck & Co. as a service technician, starting his tenure with them at age 18 and remaining a committed employee there until his retirement. Howard wore his Sears uniform proudly and served the residents of Aroostook County developing many friendships along the way. Dad, “Grampy” and “Uncle Howard” will be remembered for his limitless kindness. He could be relied upon as a provider, the rational ear to listen, and as a jokester. Howard’s most inspirational trait was that of being completely unselfish; a man who gave his time willingly without ever expecting anything in return and always agreeable for playtime. Soft-spoken, strong-willed, and the possessor of striking “baby blue eyes” which were often a conversation point for ladies young and old. Though the family was his center of focus, the community was also very important to Howard. He was always willing to assist neighbors in need, volunteered, and would never drive by a vehicle stopped alongside the road without stopping to ask if everything was alright. Howard was also a quiet, mild-mannered leader, holding officer positions in the Washburn Rotary Club and The Washburn Trail Runners Snowmobile Club. Howard’s passions were many and included fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, community service, family gatherings, and social time with friends. He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Dorsey Sperrey, a daughter, Kerry Sperrey Bouchard, and granddaughter Erin Sperrey. Howard is survived by his three sons, Kevin Sperrey, Kirk Sperrey (and wife Becca), and Keith Sperrey (and Angel Sperrey); son-in-law Timothy Bouchard; grandchildren Amanda Sperrey McQueen, Brandon Sperrey, Caitlyn Sperrey Susi, Bethany Bouchard McSparrin, Brooke Sperrey, Kylee Bouchard, Ryan Sperrey, Tyler Farley, Kristi Sperrey Stevens, Sean Sperrey, Skylah Gendreau, Alex Ouellette, Monica Sperrey, Dylan Ouellette, Lorna Sperrey, Sabrina Sperrey, Alaina Sperrey; several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. At his request, there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, December 18 at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 34 Vaughn Street, Caribou, Maine. Committal will take place in the summer of 2022 at the Sperrey Family plot, Crouseville Cemetery, Route 164, Washburn, Maine. Sincere and special thanks to the staff at Presque Isle Nursing and Rehab for the wonderful care, comfort, and support of Howard and his family over the past eight years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Howard’s name can be made to any organization supporting those battling Alzheimer’s or the Washburn Trail Runners Snowmobile Club, PO Box 561, Washburn ME 04786. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.directcremationofmaine.com.