SPRINGFIELD - Joseph A. "Big Joe" Spakanik, Jr., 61, of the East Forest Park section of Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Monday, September 28, 2020. He passed into Eternal Life at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on December 20, 1958, a beloved son of the late Joseph A. Spakanik, Sr. and Adeline W. (Grundstrom) Spakanik. He was raised in East Forest Park, attended Springfield schools and was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He was last employed as a clerk at O'Connell's Convenience Plus on Allen Street in Springfield. He was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in Springfield. During his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening, listening to music and cheering on his New England sports teams. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Mary E. (Jordan) Spakanik. They were married on June 13, 1986 at the former Saint Mary Church in East Springfield and were blessed with over 34 years of happiness together. Besides his wife, he leaves his four loving children, Amanda M. Spakanik and her partner, Eric Ryan, Joseph Arden Spakanik, Chelsea M. Spakanik and Haley M. Spakanik, all of Springfield; his two sisters, Laurie Spakanik and Kathy Duncan; his dear mother-in-law, Alberta Jordan of Chicopee; and his many dear brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, numerous friends and extended members of the Spakanik and Jordan families. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his dear sister and brother-in-law, Debbie Weldon and her husband, Christopher. His funeral will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 beginning at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 219 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01118. His Burial will follow the Mass at Saint Patrick Cemetery, 168 Fuller Road, Chicopee, MA 01020, (please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed and funeral home and Church capacity are limited due to state regulations). His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday (Today), October 1, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more details and to leave his family online condolences, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com