Former Union County Mayor Dies At 90

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The Union County community said its final goodbyes to former Scotch Plains Mayor Gabriel Spera on Wednesday at a funeral in New Providence.

Spera died on Friday at the age of 90, according to his obituary, after decades of public service throughout the region and representing the country.

A native of Brooklyn, Spera grew up in an Italian immigrant neighborhood and is a veteran of the United States Army.

After time in Virginia, Maryland, and on Long Island, he and his wife, Marilyn, settled in Scotch Plains in 1971.

Spera won a seat on Township Council in 1982 behind his drive to conserve the environment, maintain local identity, and continuing cultural traditions.

He was named mayor twice during his eight years serving Scotch Plains. Among his accomplishments, he is credited with standing up against overdevelopment while still revitalizing the downtown area.

His effects were felt far and wide throughout Union County during his lifetime, and continue today, through his work with multiple organizations. Spera was active in the North Plainfield and Westfield Italian American clubs, as Resident Advisor for a New Providence retirement community, and as a member of the New Providence Lions Club.

In honor of his contributions to countless communities, Spera was named Grand Marshall of the Westfield Columbus Day Ceremony in 2023.

Along with gardening, Spera made his own wine. He also enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and supporting the New York Giants.

Spera is survived by his wife and their three children.

In 2018 and 2021, profiles attributed to Patch Community Contributor Petra Shaw gave a look into the retired life of Spera and how his work continued to impact so many people throughout the region.

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