Robert J. Sperrazza

Robert J. “Bob” Sperrazza, 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 23, 2026, at 12:38 a.m. in Sayre, Pennsylvania.

Bob was born on June 22, 1951, in Long Island City, Astoria, New York, to Salvatore Sperrazza and Nunzia Maione.

Bob was immensely proud of his education and especially proud to show anyone his Stuyvesant High School diploma. He later earned his degree from Queens College and went on to receive his Master’s degree from Elmira College.

During summers in the Poconos, Bob worked as both a waiter and photographer. It was there that he met his future wife, Susan Haner. As the story goes, Bob threw a football to Susan, she caught it, and immediately threw it right back. They were married on April 6, 1974, beginning a loving partnership that lasted more than fifty years.

Bob was deeply proud of his three children: Andrea Cook and her husband Bob Cook, Rob Sperrazza, and Alicia Perry and her husband Mike Perry. He adored his grandchildren, Ava Sperrazza, Susan Perry, Ryan Cook, Shawn Perry, Collin Perry, and Caroline Allen and her husband David Allen.

He is also survived by his siblings, Carol Taylor, Stephen Sperrazza, and Roy Sperrazza, as well as his brothers- and sister-in-law, Bruce Haner and Donna Capwell.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore Sperrazza and Nunzia Maione, as well as his in-laws, Bob and Goldie Haner.

A dedicated and beloved educator, Bob loved helping children truly “get it.” He was a respected teacher, soccer coach, and softball coach whose patience, intelligence, humor, and encouragement left lasting impressions on generations of students. Even years later, former students would excitedly run up to him in stores shouting, “Mr. Sperrazza, you were my favorite teacher!”

Bob had a dynamic sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved jokes, laughter, reading, bowling, and building his in-home theater system. He possessed the rare ability to be both deeply intelligent and deeply personable, making those around him feel welcomed, challenged, and appreciated.

He will be deeply missed, just as he was deeply loved.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Gillott family, Andrea Marrone, Kristen Foster, and Don Jones for their kindness, support, and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made toward a student support fund established in Bob’s honor to help students in need.

Bob’s memorial service will be held at Litchfield Methodist Church on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Family and friends may gather beginning at 11:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message for Bob's family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

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