Obituary of Barbara A. Speziale

Barbara Speziale of Selkirk, NY passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024 at St. Peter's Hospital surrounded by the love and support of her family. 

Barbara retired from her 33 year career at Excelsior College and was a member of Saint Patrick’s Church in Ravena; she valued faith, family and education.

To all who knew Barbara they knew a friendly, warm and engaging person, passionate about travel, nature and education. Barbara loved Europe and going on adventures and valued education both personally and professionally, not only spending her career at Excelsior College but completing her Bachelor’s degree at the age of 65 to the pride of both her and her family.

Barbara enjoyed her family and conversation, and not to a small degree her command of a story or recounting her family history was explicit and detailed and shared with generosity with her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Barbara is survived by her children, Frank (Beth) Speziale, Stephen “Michael “Speziale, Patricia Berghela, Susan (Anthony) Brennan, Peter Speziale and John Speziale. Her brothers and sisters,  John (Mary) Bissaillon, Elaine (Edward) Cotter and her grandchildren, Hayley (Blake) Birner, Jeff (Brooke) Speziale, Carmine (Sarah) Berghela, Jacklyn (Anthony) Calebrese and Jonathan Brennan. As well as numerous great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Barbara will enter eternal rest with her beloved predeceased brothers and sisters Joseph, Peter and Vincent Bissaillon, Paul and Eugene Smith, Alice Ferrao and Dorothy Baggetta.

Services are private. A special thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their tireless efforts.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barbara's Name to Ravena Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 144 Ravena, NY 12143.

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