Joe Specht

Joe W. Specht, 84, of Dover, passed away in his home following an apparent heart attack on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

A son of the late Ralph S. and Mary Elila (Weiner) Specht, Joe was born in Dover on September 19, 1933.

Joe worked at A&P for 27 years where he met his future wife, the former Norma Jean Cugliari. They wed on June 7, 1958.

Together, they were members at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover where he served as an usher, and was a member of the St. Joseph Seniors, the Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus. Joe also was a member of the Dover Eagles.

Joe ultimately retired from the City of Dover, where he served 17 years at the Light Plant.

He greatly enjoyed being outside working in his garden and tending to his planters. He was also a great cook and in his younger years, was a life guard at the YMCA. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family.

Joe will be deeply missed by his daughter, Mary Jo (Maurice) Lundenberger of Bolivar; two sons, Matthew (Pamela Watkins) Specht, and Michael Specht all of Dover; three grandchildren, Jim (Shelby) Lundenberger of Bolivar, Nick Specht of Dover and Chelsea (Devin Sponseller) Specht of New Jersey; sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret Helmick, Frank (Rosalie) Cugliari, Clare Blauch, and Margaret DeBois Cugliari; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in passing by his sister, Joann (George) Calams.

The family will greet guests on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 4-7 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where a Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:45 PM. Fr. Jimmy Hatfield will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 12 PM in St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery at Dover. All are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center following services.

Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be directed to St. Joseph Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Avenue, Dover, OH 44622.