David J. Sperling, 78, of Pensacola passed away on Monday, March 17th, 2008.
His loving wife, Judy, preceded him in death in 2006 as well as son Michael in 1984.
He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Spinner (Ron) of Pensacola; son, Doug (Susan) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Jennifer Spinner of Tallahassee and Joshua Spinner of Pensacola. Dave is also survived by his brothers, Harry Sperling Jr. (Anne) of Ocean Shores, WA, William Sperling of Seattle, WA, and sister Mary Ely of Chico, CA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
David was born April 3, 1929, in Juneau, Alaska to Harry Sperling Sr. and Mary Gertrude (Mamie) Sperling. Having countless adventures growing up in Alaska, none could top the claim to fame (with his sister and father) of being the first to travel on bicycle, on a road from Alaska to Minnesota known as the ALCAN Hwy. This was a trip that took 38 days to travel 1000 miles.
Captain Sperling experienced a prominent naval career beginning at the Naval Academy, graduating with the class of '52. He earned numerous flying medals and citations while flying before, during and after Vietnam. After finishing his sea duty he and his family were transferred throughout Europe as well as the mid-East to allow him to retire from Navy service after 31 years.
Two of the more memorable of his stations of duty was CO of VR-24 in Sigonella, Sicily and as Inspector General of CNET at NAS, Pensacola. His last tour of duty was as Naval and Defense Attaché at the American Embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
Captain Sperling's personality and wisdom of command earned him the greatest respect from his fellow officers, enlisted personnel and friends. The sense of a tremendous loss is evident from those whose lives he has touched. He will always be loved and he will always be missed. His family and friends wish him God speed in joining his lovely wife, Judith.
Special thanks to Dr. Patel and all the staff of Hope Medical Group, Cynthia at Home Care Services and also Emerald Coast Hospice. At Dave's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 5401 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 800, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Memorial services will be held at All Faiths Chapel, at NAS Pensacola, on Thursday, March 27th at 9:30am.
Inurnment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, with military honors.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 3/25/2008.