DURHAM — John F. Spier, Jr., 83, of Durham, died peacefully at home on Saturday, June 5, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 19, 1927, in Durham, the son of John and Etta (Parker) Spier. He attended school in Durham and was a resident of Durham all his life. He joined the U.S. Army in 1945 to 1946.

John was a renowned “Good Year” stitcher at Knapp Shoe in Lewiston for 28 years, until retirement due to disability. He married the former Lorraine Morin on Sept. 24, 1965.

He was a life member of Amvet Post 13, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Acacia Lodge #121. He was a member of the American Legion #83 and VFW #9459.

John enjoyed gardening, bowling, his “John Deere,” spending time with his friends at the Amvet Post, but most important was time shared with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lorraine (Morin); one daughter, Darlene Bellefleur and husband, Jim, of Durham; two sons, John F. Spier, III and wife, Margaret, of Pittston, and Calvin of Durham; daughters-in-law, Sandra Spier of Durham, and Karen Spier of Brunswick; eight grandchildren, Shannon Hudson and husband, Scott, of California, Heather Cox and husband, Justin, of Lisbon, John F. Spier, IV, Juliana Spier and Jamie Spier, of Lewiston, Holly Spier of Boston, Mallory Spier of Georgetown, and Kristina Nadeau and husband, Todd, of Sabattus; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by son, Charles “Chuck;” one sister, Eleanor; one brother, Ralph; and “Fancy,” his beloved Sheltie of 13 years.