William Spear

William J. Spear, 87 of Sugarloaf passed away Saturday September 9, 2023 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. Born June 5, 1936 in Hazleton, he was the son of the late James and Mary (Kowalick) Spear.

He is a member of St. John Bosco Church, Sugarloaf and was a member of the former Holy Trinity German Catholic Church, Hazleton where he was an active lector and parish council advocate.

Bill graduated from St. Gabriel’s High School in 1954 and was a graduate of Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1958 earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Pharmacy.

Bill was a longtime business owner and Pharmacist at Hazle Drugs and Hazle Compounding Pharmacy in downtown Hazleton, where he was still active until a few years ago. He was the driving force behind the business’ success since 1960. He was a lifetime leader, mentor, and patriarch. His son and two grandsons, who are all Pharmacists, are proud to continue his legacy. Hazle Drugs and Hazle Compounding has been operating continuously for over 155 years since 1868 and is America’s Oldest Compounding Pharmacy. 

Bill was well known for his sense of style and sense of humor among his co-workers, friends and customers of Hazle Drugs.

He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, working, being outdoors, playing tennis, bicycling, golf, reading, keeping up with current pharmacy events and most importantly spending time with his family on Long Beach Island, NJ and vacationing in Key West, Fl. He and his wife, Mary also enjoyed exploring New York City on weekends for many years. He also was an active member of the Valley Country Club

Bill was a member of the following organizations: Pennsylvania and American Pharmacists Association, National Association of Retail Druggists, and the Professional Compounding Centers of America.

Bill was also a former board of director of the following organizations: First Federal Bank, KNBT, First Federal Charitable Foundation, Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Hazleton ARCH. Chairman of the Legacy Campaign for Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP)., Hazleton Public Library, HASD Alcohol and Drug Advisory, Meals on Wheels, United Way and the Hazleton City Board of Health for 47 years, serving as chairman for many of those years.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was Brother; James and sister; Marie Spear.

Surviving is his wife of 64 years the former Mary Lockwood,RN. Son; Bill and his wife Marylynne. Daughter; Patrice and her husband Jeff Myer. Granddaughters; Alyssa, Lindsey, Jenna, and Bridget. Grandsons; Billy, Evan, and Zander. 2 great grandchildren on the way. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Friends may call at St. John Bosco Church, 573 PA-93, Sugarloaf on Saturday, September 16th from 9 to 10am. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am.

Private burial will be in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, Hazleton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Downtown Hazleton Alliance For Progress , 8 West Broad St.,Suite M-1490 Hazleton, PA 18201

Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, 532 North Vine Street, Hazleton is in charge of arrangements.

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