Remembering the life of Michael Spero (2024)

Salisbury - Ret. Haverhill Police Detective Michael A. Spero, 79, of Salisbury and formerly of Haverhill, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021.
He was born in Haverhill, May 30, 1942, son of the late Bernard and Cecile (Gouin) Spero.
Mike Spero, a longtime Haverhill resident, attended Haverhill Trade School and following graduation started working for the city of Haverhill. Mike Spero's successful career spanned more than 30 years serving the city and the community as a police officer, a detective, and later found his true calling leading Haverhill's drug task force. Mike loved helping others and always fought for those that were feeling lost and/or needed a helping hand. Later on, as Mike's career continued to blossom, he furthered his education in pursing his Bachelor's as well as a Master's in Human Resources from New Hampshire College.
Mike was a licensed Massachusetts Social Worker and used those skill sets to help and support so many members of the community. Mike also continued to grow and develop as a leader in the community of Haverhill and worked with the Haverhill Independent Newspaper. He was the author of the weekly 1970's & 80's column called "The Straight Dope" which provided weekly education for Drug Awareness. Throughout Mike's professional career, he was recognized and acknowledged by his community for his love for the city and his contributions.
In 1979, Mike received honorable mention for Policeman of the Year—and earned runner up the following year. In 1981, through his continued efforts and tireless commitment, Mike was recognized and acknowledged by his peers and leadership to be named Policeman of the Year. That same year Mike also received the Citizenship Award given to those who go beyond the call of duty in service to their community. As Mike continued to work in Haverhill, he led the Narcotics and Drug task force and assisted with the State Drug task force. This was highlighted by Mike receiving commendation from the International Narcotics Officer Association in 1983.
Mike's devotion to his community and to the people who lived there was his true passion—and showed through his involvement in various volunteer organizations. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, in 1991 Mike was the honored recipient of the "Knight of the Year Award." Mike was also a Mason and member of the Merrimack Lodge and Knights of Columbus Council. Mike also was the proud recipient of "Pilgrim Award" given as the highest award for community service by the Amvets.
Mike was extremely proud of his Italian heritage with his grandparents traveling from Italy to build a life for him and his family. Mike was a member of the Son's of Italy and served on the board of the Italian Brotherhood, which includes more than 400 members of Italian descent. Mike graciously accepted the "Italian of the Year" award—a distinction proudly shared with other Italian American leaders throughout the Merrimack Valley. With his extraordinary charisma, Mike would often be described by friends and family: "When you talked with Mike he made you feel like you were the only one in the room." Mike loved music, especially the oldies, and taking long drives along the New England coast.
In 1993, Mike moved to Salisbury Beach with his wife Robin and fulfilled his life-long dream to live close to the ocean and beach that his parents, grandparents and relatives grew up on. Mike was a proud member of the Salisbury Beach Betterment Association. Mike's love of the beach, the ocean and neighbors of that community will continue to live on through the legacy that he leaves for his family. A beloved, fun-loving Nunu to 14 grandchildren, Mike may be remembered best for his endless lollipops and games of Simon Says and Red Light/Green Light on the beach! Mike loved his four sons and all his grandchildren and was blessed to have an incredible wife in Robin Spero who was by his side until the very end.
Mike Spero Quote: 1995 " I came, I saw, I conquered"
His survivors include his wife of 38 years, Robin S. (Burns) Spero of Salisbury, four sons, Michael A. Spero, Jr of Derry. NH. Jeffrey B. Spero of Orlando, Fla., Anthony J. Spero and his wife Johannah of Queensbury, NY, Gregory S. Spero and his wife Kerry of Atkinson, NH, a brother, Joseph B. Spero and his wife, Eileen of Haverhill, three sisters, Mary Ann Burns of Hampton Falls, NH, Debra McAdams of Salisbury, Laurie Sirrell of St. Cloud, Fla., 14 grandchildren, Melissa Spero, Michael Spero, III, Maddison Spero, Viviana Spero, Jeffrey Spero, Anthony James Spero, Adam Spero, Chaz Spero, Gregory Spero, Steven Spero, Matthew Spero, Nicholas Spero, Caroline Spero, Zachary Spero as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was also predeceased by his stepfather Jerome Doyon and stepmother, Madelyn Spero.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours on Thursday, July 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday morning, July 9th at 11 a.m. in St. James Church, Haverhill. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in his memory may be made to The 100 Club of Massachusetts, 17 Gloucester St. Boston, MA 02115.
To share a memory or for more information please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com.

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Published on July 5, 2021