James J Spera

James J. Spera, 94, of Raritan, New Jersey, passed away on March 15, 2026 at his home. Born on January 12, 1932 in Newark, New Jersey, he lived a life defined by service, family, and community involvement.

James owned a Superette in Elizabeth, where he first met Nellie Conrad. After serving in the United States Army as an MP guarding a federal prison in Lompoc, California, he worked with his father for a wholesale florist. While making deliveries in Piscataway, he reconnected with Nellie, and they married on August 4, 1956. In 1958, they settled in Piscataway, where they raised their four children together. He later served seven years in the New Jersey Army National Guard.

A dedicated public servant and community leader, James was a member of the Piscataway Jaycees, the Piscataway Elks, the American Legion, and a past president of the Dunellen Green Brook Rotary Club. He worked as a State Farm Independent Agent until his retirement. Deeply interested in government, he was elected to the Piscataway Township Council, ran for Middlesex County Freeholder and the New Jersey State Senate, and was appointed an agent for a New Jersey motor vehicle agency. He also found great joy in boating and served as Commander of the Raritan Bay Power Squadron.

James was predeceased by his beloved wife of many years, Nellie I. Spera, and his parents, Anna and Joseph Spera. He is survived by his children James Conway-Spera and his spouse Dr. Andrew Conway-Spera, Deborah Antonelli and her spouse Luigi Antonelli, Joseph Spera and his fiancée Patricia Marciano, and Paul Spera and his spouse Cathy Spera; his seven cherished grandchildren Krista (Donald) St. Cyr, Joseph Spera, Jamie Spera, Matthew Spera, Liana (Christopher) Young, John Spera, and Nolan Spera; his great-granddaughter Sophia St. Cyr; his sister Virginia Giardina; and his devoted caretaker Irina Makaridze.