Kelley Spearen — a 1971 Staples High School graduate, and talented yard work artist whose works can be seen throughout Westport — died yesterday, from complications of arthritis and neck surgery.
On July 7, 2016, “06880” ran this story. It serves now as a tribute to him.
For as long as he can remember, Kelley Spearen loved working with his hands.
During his years at Bedford Junior High and Staples High School, he spent time with carpenters. He was accepted to helicopter and airborne Ranger school. In 1975 he joined Westport Center Service, and as general manager built its automotive department from scratch.
In the 1980s he got into metalworking. His wrought-iron hardware pieces were bought by L.L. Bean and Stew Leonard’s.
Spearen then created bigger sculptures. A private customer bought his 22-foot Eiffel Tower. Another purchased a giant question mark. With the advent of Facebook, he was able to find customers as far away as California and Germany.
Kelley Spearen’s “Eiffel Tower” now sits on a private residence, along the Saugatuck River.
But the hands that have brought him so far now betray him. Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia have made it tough to work on large pieces — hard, sometimes, even to get to his well-equipped studio here in Westport. He’s in a ton of pain, and it can take 4 hours to get going in the morning. But he does not complain.
Kelley Spearen, in his home studio.
So, as Spearen concentrates on smaller sculptures, he’s selling off his biggest ones. Search for “Dr Funky Metal” on Facebook to see what’s available.
Then just figure out where and how to get your new sculpture on your lawn.
“Abe,” by Kelley Spearen.
Kelley Spearen calls this sculpture “Asian style.”
“Marilyn” (Photo/Jo Ann Miller)
This was very bad and sad news… the world has lost one of the good guys.
RIP Kelley
Oh, no. Kelley lived down the block from us and was a fixture in our small neighborhood. I frequently had conversations with him when I was walking our dogs. We talked about local history, dogs, art and just generally passed the time.
He was also always available to lend a hand when needed and even supplied a generator to one of my neighbors when we lost power during a storm a few years ago. This truly makes me sad. RIP Kelley. I will miss you in the ‘hood.
I was wondering/worried about Enzo. He was such lively fellow! So cute. We used to compare notes about Enzo an my 2 pups. I used to love watching Enzo romp around Kelley’s backyard. I’m glad Enzo will be taken care of.
This is why I loved growing up in Westport. Meeting guys ( classmate SHS 71′) like Kelly.
Dan – Is the same guy who created that pyramid-looking sculpture by the Westport Library? R.I.P. Kelley
Kelley was a good guy and full of surprises. We met in kindergarten. He hung tough through a lot in the last few years. So sad to know he’s gone. (Hope Enzo will be OK)
This is such terribly sad news. He’s been a neighbor for over 20 years. I saw him go through tough times, then much better times when he found sobriety. He was such a kind fellow. I know he had a death-defying infection which was requiring daily IV antibiotics for a year. I think his poor body had seen enough. But he will surely be missed.
And his dog Enzo will be lost without him.
So sorry to hear this news. Kelley and I met in 7th grade at BJHS. We saw each other frequently as we were among the few from our class who stayed in Westport. RIP Kelley…
He was a very talented mechanic and artist. He and Tommy Akoury (?) were World Champions in Off Shore Power Boat Racing in 1987…. Among his racing buddies was his friend Paul Newman. He was a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He did it all with grace, humility and generosity of Spirit…A good friend gone. RIP Kelley.
Kelley did five (5) sculptures which adorn our lawn and in doing so, became a very good family friend. His passing is sad and he will me missed, especially our “play dates” with Enzo (who is being returned to his original owner). RIP Kelley, you have gone through complete hell the past several years.
Oh, gee…we’re in southern Illinois for the funeral of our good friend Jerry Lynn and to hear this about Kelly after a day of tears this is too much! I’m so sorry, Christy and family. I knew Kelly at Staples (art with Wheeler) and in this last chapter of life we became friends at a distance and shared stories. Rest in Peace, Kelly….
Oh, I only met Kelley once,I think, but we had lots of emailing. His mother (Jeanette Spearen) and my mom were best friends in the 80s and 90s, and Jeanette came to visit Mom when she lived in NJ. Kelley was such a great guy and I’m so sorry to hear this news. Hugs to his sister, Cristy (sp?), in California!
I had the pleasure of “meeting” Kelley on Chou Chou’s FB group “You Know You’re From Westport If”… He always was funny and nice and I enjoyed writing back and forth with him. I know he was in a lot of pain, but it is still sad news to hear of his passing. RIP Kelley!
Kelley was the pure definition of an artist. He could see the finished project before it was begun. He was a also a gentleman and a veteran who saw action. He was the best pet owner ever. Only the best for Kramer (rip) and Enzo. He talked to them like they were people.. (maybe they were) I miss you already, Kelley, and I hope there’s a studio in the sky for you and you’re hanging out with all of your people.
kelley has forever touched my heart by his kindness by arranging with chou chou raum merrill and classmates, to have a laptop to stay in touch when i was in hospice with spinal cancer 12 yrs. ago. he made a difference in my life. thank you kelley. rip.