Stephen B. Spear

Stephen B. Spear, age 80, of Branford, passed peacefully on Monday, December 20, 2021 at the West Haven Veterans’ Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Bridgeport, Stephen grew up in Fairfield, graduating from Andrew Warde High School. He went on to pursue higher education through Norwich University before enlisting in the Army. Upon discharge from the Army, Stephen joined his father in the family flooring business, Spear-Newman, Inc. Later in life, he enjoyed working at Trader Joe’s of Orange. His warm and kind personality and great sense of humor made it easy for him to get to know some of the regular shoppers at his store. Stephen had endless generosity and compassion for people and animals alike, always lending a helping hand and putting others before himself. He was the classic definition of a “Foodie,” regularly cooking, trying new foods and expanding his and his family’s palates. Stephen’s biggest love of all was his family. He relished in being a grandfather and cherished every moment and memory made with his children and grandchildren.

Stephen will be greatly missed by his son, Matthew Spear, and his wife, Katie, and their children, Lucas and Avery, of Fairfield; and his daughter, Sarah Fontaine, and her husband, Ken, and their children, Kenny and Marie, of Fairfield. In addition to his parents, Oscar and Sylvia Spear, Stephen is predeceased by his sister Connie.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 10am-12pm at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield.  A service will directly follow the visitation beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Stephen’s memory to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, General Veteran Welfare - West Haven https://www.va.gov/connecticut-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/ or checks can be made payable to VA Connecticut Healthcare System, noting Stephen’s name in the memo line, Attention: Voluntary Services, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516.