Carmen F. Spezzi Sr., aged 72, of Sayreville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family in the comfort of his home. A lifelong resident of Sayreville, Carmen's journey began in South Amboy. He was a distinguished alumnus of Sayreville War Memorial High School, Middlesex County Community College, and the esteemed American Academy of McAllister in New York. Yet, amidst his many achievements, his paramount source of pride and joy was his cherished family, whom he cherished deeply.
 

From his formative years, Carmen was deeply ingrained in his family's ventures, starting from his grandfather's barber shop to the bustling operations of his parents' restaurant and bar, Spezzi’s Pizza Galleria and Pub. At the tender age of 16, he embarked on a path that would define his lifelong calling, apprenticing under the mentorship of Matthew A. Maliszewski in the funeral service industry. Together with his devoted wife Christine, they established the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home in 1977, later acquiring the Maliszewski Memorial Home and the Maliszewski Funeral Home in 1983. Carmen's unwavering commitment to his community was a testament to his character. His legacy lives on through his compassionate care for grieving families, a legacy marked by empathy and support.
 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Carmen's heart overflowed with a passion for culinary arts and nourishing others. Whether crafting his renowned spaghetti dinners, overseeing Spezzi’s Main St. Café at the St. Stan’s Carnival, flipping pancakes at the Lion’s pancake breakfast, or lovingly preparing homemade pizzas for his grandchildren, Carmen's love language was unmistakable—feeding the souls he held dear. A devoted member of Our Lady of Victories RC Church, Carmen was also deeply involved in various organizations including the Knight of Columbus Council 2061, the Sayreville High School Hall of Fame, and numerous civic and social clubs.

Carmen is preceded in death by his father Charles Spezzi, his aunt Josephine Spezzi, and his in-laws John and Marijane O’Brien. He leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Christine O’Brien Spezzi; his adoring children Meaghan Spezzi and her husband Paul Kulakis, Carmen F. Spezzi Jr. and his wife Camille, Moira Spezzi and her husband Matthew Marini; his cherished grandchildren Quinlan, Michael, and Nola Kulakis, Grace Spezzi, and Aurora & Carmen Sullivan Marini, his mother Gertrude Spezzi and two sisters, Donna Mauro and Darlene Spezzi.