Anthony Michael "Tony" Spero's Obituary
Anthony Michael Spero, known to all as “Tony,” left us far too soon on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the young age of 36. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tony moved across the country with his family many times, graduated from Dunbar High School and Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and finally settled down in Northwest Arkansas.
Tony was a devoted husband to Lauren and a proud, loving father to Luca and Bloom—his greatest joys in life. He was the son of Ann Spero, and of Neal and Marta Spero, and the caring brother of Amy Spero and her husband, Mike Geswein. He was the pride of his grandparents Doris and Jerry Higgerson and the late Kay and Cesare Spero. His family was his anchor, and he cherished every moment with them.
Tony lived a life of courage and service as a firefighter, paramedic, and driver. He first found his calling in 2014 when he began serving with the Nicholasville Kentucky Fire Department. He joined the Springdale Arkansas Fire Department in 2015 before also signing on with the Tontitown Arkansas Fire Department in 2016, demonstrating his deep passion for the Northwest Arkansas community. Tony was recently promoted to Captain in Tontitown, where he led the department’s training and development efforts. Tony embodied the true spirit of the fire service - always willing to put others before himself. His bravery, compassion, and commitment to his community touched countless lives.
Off duty, Tony loved the simple pleasures—hitting the golf course, playing soccer, and spending meaningful time with the people he loved. He was a natural athlete from an early age, snowboarding and playing soccer from just four years old and beating his dad in golf by the age of twelve. He was a member of the Dunbar High School Kentucky State Championship Soccer team in 2005 and then played at Transylvania University where he was a two-time varsity captain and selected for multiple all-conference teams.
Though his time with us was far too short, Tony’s love, kindness, and bravery will live on in all who knew him. His genuine nature, steady presence, and deep care for others leave behind a legacy of love and service that will never be forgotten.
Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, August 15th, from 4:30-6:30PM at Cross Church Springdale. For anyone attending the visitation please enter through the south entrance of the church.
Funeral services with fire department honors will take place 10:00 AM Saturday, August 16th at Cross Church Springdale.
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