In memory of Jean "Jay" C. Spenla

Jean Charles Spenla, 81, of Silver Springs, FL(formerly of Sarasota and Murphy, NC) peacefully entered his final rest on Friday, March 28 at HCA Hospital in Ocala surrounded by loved ones. He was also known by his confirmation name, Jean Charles Aloysius Spenla, and some nicknames: JC, Jay, and a third that is well known in the memory of those closest to him.

Jay was born in Brooklyn, NY on Christmas 1943 to Jean A. Spenla and Charlotte M. (Schmick) Spenla.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, serving from October 30, 1963 to October 21, 1965 and for several years following as a reservist. In addition to his military service, he worked in the family business, Aluminum Products of Fair Lawn, NJ, serving alongside his dad professionally. He and his dad also served alongside each other as devoted volunteers in the Fair Lawn Volunteer Fire Department, selflessly saving others through their service. In January of 1976 he returned to serving his fellow citizens by joining the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office in the position of Recruit Patrol. In a career spanning the years of January 1976 to October 2003 his distinguished career included earning the following rank: 1981 Corporal; 1988 Sargeant; 1997 Lieutenant, the rank at which he retired. During those years he also served on the SURF Team, the Honor Guard, 15 years SWAT, Supervisory capacity in CID and SID Departments. He received multiple specialized training certifications including Traffic and Tactical and a Meritorious Achievement Award in August of 2002. He was called out of retirement to assist with the SCSO Marine Patrol from August 2005 to May of 2008. Not one to sit still, he undertook several retirement pursuits such a driving bus for a tour company, assisting in a friend's concrete firm, and finally, after relocating to Murphy, assisting in the development of Riverside RV Resort.

Jay grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ, attending St. Ann Catholic School through eighth grade, and graduating from Fair Lawn High School in 1963. He earned his high school letter, participating in wrestling, football, and the marching band. In 1977 he earned his A.S. degree in criminal justice from State College of FL Board of Manatee Junior College. He continued to pursue his Bachelor of Science degree through the University of Southern Florida, all the while completing specialty training through the SCSO.

He was extremely proud of his Irish Catholic heritage, practicing his faith with wife, Connie, at Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota. Following their retirement to North Carolina, they continued that practice in the parish of St. William in Murphy, and following his move back to Florida, at Our Lady of the Springs in Ocala. After several years of dedicated care for his late wife, Connie who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, he married Deborah. In their short time together, they were able to fulfill his desire to visit Ireland. Their travels also included many other destinations such as Alaska, Arizona, Bahamas, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Philadelphia. While they never found time for Jay to complete square dance classes, they became members of the National Square Dance Campers Association and he enjoyed the camping and fellowship. Having given up his motorcycling passion that he enjoyed for many years, the activity was replaced with a Slingshot. On one occasion, he found himself transported in a hot air balloon. He also enjoyed Rving, boating, fishing, welding, cruising, and spending time with family and friends.

Jay is survived by his wife, Deborah Taylor; a brother, William A. Spenla, (wife, Mary Jane) of Ocean View, DE; children: Guy A. Kasselmann (wife, Jennie) of Milford, OH; Scott A. Kasselmann (wife, Nancy) of Roswell, GA.; grandchildren: Crista (Ryan) O'Connor, Dana (Brandon) Baker, Lisa (Avery) Bradshaw, Ashley Murray (Kyle) VanZandt, Collin Murray, Morgan Bobbitt, Skyler Kasselmann; great—grandchildren Reis, Camden, Kian, Elgin, Ruby, and Ava. He is also survived by Deborah's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends he considered family.

He is predeceased by his parents, his wife of 44 years, Connie (Bunker) Spenla, his son, Todd C. Spenla, a sister, Charlean Ann (Spenla) Carter, and a daughter, Denise A. Kasselmann.

A funeral mass will be held Friday April 25, 2025, 3:00pm at Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church, 4047 NE 21st Street, Ocala, FL 34470. Burial will be 10:00 am Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513.  T here will be a light luncheon following the committal service at VFW Post 10137, 6036 Co. Rd. 618, Bushnell, FL 33513.

A memorial mass and celebration of life to be held in Murphy, NC is to be determined, likely in mid-May.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Charitable Foundation, 6120 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 or online scsocharitablefoundation.org or to St. William Catholic Church, 765 Andrews Rd., Murphy, NC 28906.