John R. Spach

John R. Spach, 85, died peacefully at his home on December 17, 2024 due to complications from heart and kidney disease. John was born on November 17, 1939 to Flora and Hans Spach and grew up on the east side of Binghamton, NY. He was a football and track star at Binghamton North High School, a 4-time champion in the hurdles and he once tackled the great Ernie Davis when he played against him. After graduating, John served in the Army and then began his career of fixing appliances, first at Sears, then running his own business, Doc’s Appliance Service.

John married Peggy, the love of his life, and they enjoyed many years of fun together. They made a great pair, taking drives in their amazing convertibles and traveling in their motorhome.

John is predeceased by his devoted wife Peggy and his brother Herb. He is survived by Jeff Stephens, who was like a son to him and Jeff’s wife Jill and daughter Jenna of Binghamton NY, his niece Karen and her husband Drew Larsen of Burlington, VT, his nephew David and his wife Darshana Spach of Portland, ME, his grandnieces and nephew Ava Spach, Sam Spach, Ella Larsen, and Greta Larsen, and his “German daughter” Tanja Wagner and granddaughter Julia Beschoruer, his wonderful German relatives, and too many friends to name. John’s friends were his family, forming a special community around him, including Arline, Donnie, Carl, Paula, and Ange.

John was a long-time member of the Binghamton German Club where he served as President, groundskeeper, and every other role imaginable. John is a member of the American Legion Post 1645 and was known to cut a rug there when they played classic 50s music.

John loved life to the fullest. To him, that meant buying, fixing, and driving cars; collecting jukeboxes; listening to 50s and country music; snowmobiling with friends; weekly breakfasts with his diner crew; watching the Giants; and drinking beer, eating wings, and laughing with friends. John was a true kid at heart, which is why people loved him so.

We will celebrate John’s life on January 4th, 2025. Viewing hours will be from 4-6 at
Hopler & Eschbach Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St, Binghamton, NY with a time to share memories at 6:00 pm followed by a celebration of his life at the American Legion Post 1645, Robinson St. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Legion Post 1645. 

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