Senator Larkin and Assemblyman Skoufis Unveil “John Spear Way” in Washingtonville

Senator Bill Larkin (R-Cornwall-on-Hudson), Assemblyman James Skoufis (D-Woodbury), the Spear Family, St. Mary’s Church pastor, and local government officials were all in attendance for the unveiling of John Spear Way in the Village of Washingtonville. The legislation re-names the portions of Route 208 (north and south), also known as South Street and Goshen Avenue, to John Spear Way.  The street’s renaming is a village tradition, one done to recognize and honor those who have dedicated their lives to improving the community.

“John genuinely cared about the community and devoted his life to making it better. It is gratifying to know that people fondly remember him and the family is honored to have a permanent memorial.” said Mary Spear, John’s wife.

“John Spear was a deeply beloved and respected citizen of the Village of Washingtonville, and was a person who dedicated himself to enriching the lives of local residents,” said Senator Larkin. “Renaming the road in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to the betterment of his community and neighbors.”

“If there was ever a Washingtonville resident who deserved the honor of having a street named after them, it’s John Spear. John was passionate about making our community a better place for everyone. From serving for 50 years on the village planning board, to mentoring multiple generations of children in the CYO basketball program, he touched the lives of so many,” said Assemblyman Skoufis. “The newly minted John Spear Way will serve as a testament to John’s love of the Washingtonville community and a celebration of his life of dedication and service.”

“I would like to thank Senator Larkin and Assemblyman Skoufis for their work here,” said Mayor Heintz. “John life deserves to be celebrated here as a memorial to all the lives he touched for the better.”

Skoufis and Larkin passed legislation in June to rename a portion of Route 208, a state road, in honor of John Spear, a longtime local resident and community leader. Mr. Spear, who passed away in 2015, served the Village of Washingtonville in many different capacities.  He was a longtime member of the Washingtonville Planning Board, owner and editor of the Orange County Post, founder of the Washingtonville CYO basketball program, and was a pillar in his local church community.