John

Spruill

Obituary

John Thomas Spruill, Sr., the youngest of nine children, was born to the late Rev. James S. and Mrs. Hannah Spruill in Haverstraw, New York on March 31, 1924. John went to eternal rest on the evening of March 7, 2016 in New City, New York.

John received his education in Congers, New York and at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He also studied at the E. Wellington Foltz School of Music, where he cultivated his rich, baritone voice.

His parents were two of the founders of the Calvary Baptist Church in Haverstraw, and John was baptized at CBC as a small child. He was in many auxiliaries in the church including Sunday School, BYPU, and the Junior Choir. As an adult, John sang in the Senior Choir and served as Church Clerk for several years. It was at Calvary Baptist Church that he met the love of his life, Deborah Estelle Carter. They were married in 1954 and subsequently, had two children.

John and his beloved Deborah, whom he called "Stella", moved to Englewood, New Jersey where they raised their family. John worked for New York Central Railroad and became the first Black supervisor of Power Plants in the Eastern Division. Later, he became a self-employed Realtor.

John and Deborah were civil rights activists and vibrant participants in the community. John was a member of the Englewood Board of Health for many years and served as President for two terms. He was also a 33rd Degree Mason (Prince Hall), member of the Bergen County Health & Welfare Council, American Heart Association, Bergen County NAACP, Urban League, and New Jersey Black Republicans. His efforts were paramount in the creation of low-income senior citizen housing, dental hygiene programs and the first Sickle Cell Anemia Screening and Counseling Program in Bergen County. As strong proponents of education, successful legal action filed by John and Deborah was significant in the desegregation of the Englewood Public Schools. John has been honored by the Bergen County NAACP and as "Man of the Year" by the Key Women of America. He received several citations on the occasion of his 90th birthday celebration in 2014.

Married for 30 years, John's beloved Stella went home to be with the Lord in 1984. Several years later, John retired and moved to New York City. He joined Convent Avenue Baptist Church and was a member for over 20 years, where he was involved in SCAMPS and the Men's Fellowship ministries.

In addition to his wife and parents, John was predeceased by three brothers; Herbert, James Jr., and Charles, and five sisters; H. Celestine, Nellie, Irma, Lillian, and Lura.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Deborah M. Barnes of New Jersey and son, John T. Spruill, Jr. (Paula) of Maine, and four grandchildren; Brandon Barnes, Nia Barnes, Cory Spruill, and Caleb Spruill. He also leaves to cherish his memory his brother-in-law, Wilbur Bell (Katie), goddaughter, Cynthia Williams, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and close church members.