Joseph Harold Speck

Joseph Harold Speck, 88 of North East, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday September 22, 2026.

Born on September 5, 1938, in Pinewald, New Jersey, Joe was the son of the late Harold Nelson Speck and Elizabeth Holman Speck of Repaupo, New Jersey. He graduated in 1956 from Paulsboro High School and in 1961 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. While serving in the US Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, he met the love of his life, Doris Elaine (Bowers) Speck; they were married for 61 years prior to her death on January 4, 2025. Joe worked as an electrical engineer for Aberdeen Proving Ground, retiring after nearly 40 years. He was hardworking and dependable and was always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors when needed. He enjoyed golfing with his best friend Dell and fishing Maryland coastal bays for flounder. Many summers were spent creating special memories with his family camping, crabbing, and fishing at Cherry Stone Campground.

He is survived by his children: Vernon Speck of Crownsville, MD, Nancy Metcalf (Bill) of Charlestown, MD, Janet Johnson (Robert) of North East, MD, Steven Speck (Carrie) of North East, MD, and daughter-in-law Carla Speck of Riva, MD; grandchildren Wesley Johnson, Christopher Speck (Gabrielle), Devon Johnson, Keegan Antonitis (Tim), Cole Metcalf, Delaney Speck, and Michael Metcalf; great-grandchildren Callum Antonitis and Hayden Speck.

 In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister Bertha Kelley. 

Visitation will be held at the Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, MD, on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Crouch Funeral Home on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by interment in the North East Methodist Cemetery in North East, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association in care of the funeral home.