Captain John B. "Jack" Speaker, US Coast Guard Retired, 90, of 217 Hope St., died Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 at St. Elizabeth's Manor in Bristol.

He was the husband of Alicia H. (Henderson) Speaker, his wife of 64 years. Born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, he was a son of the late Burton J. and Eleanor (Shell) Speaker. He was a graduate of Shaker Heights High School and then was appointed to the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, where he graduated with a degree in Engineering with the Class of 1942.

Commissioned in 1941, he served the Coast Guard for 30 years, serving during WWII, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Wars, attaining the rank of Captain in 1963 and retiring in 1972. Following his retirement from the Coast Guard he worked as the University Physical Plant Manager for Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, West Washington University in Bellingham, Washington and finally at Brown University in Providence for several years, retiring in 1985.

A resident of Bristol for 28 years, Jack was an avid golfer and had loved traveling extensively throughout the world with his wife. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, John H. Speaker and his wife Peggy Ann of Silver Springs, MD, two daughters, Alicia A. Lenarcic and her husband Michael of Bristol and N. Malin Golden and her husband, Daniel of Westminster, CO., a sister, Eleanor Brehm, of Punta Gorda, FL., six grandchildren, John H. Speaker, Jr. and his wife Kara, Scott S. Speaker and his wife Melody, Alan B. Lenarcic, Erik M. Lenarcic and his wife Elizabeth, Maxwell J. Golden and Zoe B. Golden and four great grandchildren, Madison, Charles, Scott Jr., and Sophia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Speaker and a sister, Dorothy Pritchett.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with Military Honors, Friday, Nov. 26, 2010 at 1 p.m. in Juniper Hill Cemetery on Sherry Avenue in Bristol. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, RI Chapter, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940-1659 or to donate online go to www.apdaparkinson.org. For online condolences, shared memories, full obituary, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com. 

Obituary courtesy of Sansone Funeral Home