In Memory of James Frederick Spellman

Obituary

James Frederick Spellman, 82 of New Hartford died on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born in Utica, NY on September 18, 1936 to Blanche Elizabeth Nickerson and Clarence James Spellman. He attended local schools and graduated from Utica Catholic Academy in 1954. He enjoyed a career at the Homestead Savings and Loan in Utica for almost 40 years, retiring as Senior Vice President. He had many happy memories of co-workers and friends from those days. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, loving father, cherished grandfather and friend to many.

Jim was a proud resident of the Village of New Hartford since 1964 and served his community through his death. He loved being a New Hartford volunteer firefighter and served with the men he considered brothers since 1970. He held many offices within the fire department including President and Treasurer a role in which he served for more than 30 years. The Iron Man award given to him by the New Hartford firefighters remains his most cherished honor. He was a former Chief of the Engine 11 group which provides support to local fire fighters. He was a long time member of the Village Planning Board and served as a member of the Town Police Commission. He was a past President of the American Savings and Loan Institute and served in an advisory capacity for First Source Federal Credit Union. He was also an active member of the Republican Party and worked on campaigns for many candidates including his friends John T. Buckley and Robert Julian.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Mary Eileen (Gavin), daughters Mary Pat Rhodes, Ellen Milne (Bob), Colleen Rumsey (Mark) and son Peter Logue (Jennifer), 7 grandchildren Amanda and Christopher Rumsey, Andrew, Kate, and Allison Milne, Katie Ashlyn Rhodes, and Brooks, and Nellie Rose Logue. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Sr. Ellen James Spellman CSJ. He is pre-deceased by dear friends Bill Ryan and Bob Lutz.

The family would like to thank Edwards Ambulance Service, the New Hartford Fire Department, Ray Philo, Dave Reynolds, Claudia Tenney and the many other friends, family members and caregivers who provided love and support over the years. A special thanks to the caregivers in the PCU unit at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital.

The funeral will be on Saturday at 10:00 at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be on Green Lawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Hartford Fire Department Rescue Fund.