Robert Carl Spearing of Marietta, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 4, 2020, while mountain biking with his dear friends in the Adirondack Mountains. He was only 53 years old.
Rob was born on Nov. 12, 1966, in Auburn, N.Y. He graduated from Jordan-Elbridge High School in 1985. Rob first attended the State University of New York at Oswego where he received a bachelor’s degree in teaching and then attended the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he received a second bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Rob began his young engineering career at Phillips and then moved to Pall Trinity in Cortland in 1991. In 2012 he moved to the Carrier Transicold Corporation as an engineering manager. Within eight years he had been promoted to an associate director of engineering management position. He was incredibly respected by his peers and colleagues alike.
A passionate and enthusiastic hunter and fisherman, an avid boater and adventurer, Rob loved to be outdoors. He cherished his time as a charter boat captain on Lake Ontario for seven years through his college years and beyond. Rob joined the Cazenovia Fire Department in the late nineties where he served there for 11 years as an officer. During that time, he enjoyed conducting training for the Madison County Search and Rescue Dive Team. In 2009, Rob moved to Otisco Lake and joined the Amber Fire Department not only becoming a respected member and receiving their 2014 Fire Fighter of the Year Award, but also a man who fully embraced the members of the lake community.
Rob first became a father in 1996 when his son Tristan was born and again in 2002 when he adopted his daughter Victoria. He embraced fatherhood, spending every moment possible with his children. From coaching their baseball teams, teaching them to ski, taking them hiking, attending their swim meets and attending Victoria’s soccer games, he was a constant encourager and mentor. He cherished his role as their Dad and adored them beyond compare. Rob passed on his large passion for life, his sense of adventure, his gentle kindness and ever-expansive generosity.
In 2009, he met his future wife, his true soul mate and love of his life, Jennifer Tambroni Spearing. They married on Jan. 7, 2012, and he did not hesitate to take a place beside Zachary and Olivia Maitland (Kopec), in his role as their father, embracing them with love, wise guidance and happiness.
He was a selfless man of true character. A kind, gentle and humble man who was loved, respected and revered by family, friends and colleagues alike. Perpetually happy and always looking for the next great adventure to embark upon; his positive energy and fun spirit have left a gaping hole in a sea of aching hearts. He effortlessly and kindly touched so many, many lives in a positive and meaningful way. The sudden, tragic passing of his beautiful soul is shocking and has left many in unbearable pain. He would have wanted everyone to make sure to be excellent to each other through this difficult time.
In addition to wife Jennifer and children Zachary, Olivia, Victoria and Tristan, he is survived by his mother, Sheril Spearing, sister Karen Spearing Sikorski and her daughters; Ashley Sikorski (Zachary Edwards), Caitlyn Sikorski (Dan Culotta), great niece Kadence Sikorski, son-in-law, Paul Kopec and grandson, Paul Kopec Jr. He is predeceased by his father, William F Spearing and brother-in-law, Rich Sikorski.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles.
The open-air funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 18 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lafayette Apple Festival grounds – 5330 Rowland Road, La Fayette NY 13084. Please dress accordingly and plan to arrive promptly at 10 a.m. to seat yourself/group in the lawn. Chairs will be provided at the venue. We ask that you bring a face covering and practice the allotted six feet of social distancing between groups. We invite you to join us after the service for a meal and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Amber Volunteer Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
