John Peter "Pete" Sperr

John Peter "Pete" Sperr, 65, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest surrounded by loved ones on June 14, 2024, rejoining his beloved wife, Felicia Chisolm Wardlaw Sperr.

Pete was born on May 5, 1959, in Palatine, Illinois, the son of the late Edward John and Sylvia Louise Sperr. He graduated from Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1977. He furthered his education at The Citadel, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, earning departmental honors. He was a member and team captain of the Sailing Team. Pete’s dedication to service began with a four-year Naval ROTC Scholarship and commissioning as an Ensign in the United States Navy.

In September 1989, Pete graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science in Applied Sciences, earning departmental honors. He retired from the US Navy as a Lieutenant Commander in 1994 after serving on four different ships. Pete continued his maritime career in the United States Merchant Marine from 1994 to 2020, achieving the rank of Master and commanding two container ships and one car carrier vessel. From 2009 to 2024, he worked as an associate Marine Surveyor for James D. Lucas Company.

Pete shared 35 wonderful years with his wife, Felicia. Together, they had two children, Louisa and John Elliott. Pete enjoyed boating, sailing, hunting, and fishing. He was a skilled carpenter who loved making everything from furniture to toys. He proudly earned the affectionate title of “Big” through his loving relationship with his grandchildren. Pete's proudest moments included marrying Felicia, watching their children grow into successful adults, celebrating their weddings, and cherishing his role as a grandfather to Geer and Leila.

In addition, Pete was heavily involved in his community. He was an active member of St. Philip’s Anglican Church, the Carolina Yacht Club, The Society of Colonial Wars SC, the St. Andrew’s Society, the Military Division of Kappa Alpha Order, and the Naval Order of the United States. Pete was also involved with the Association of Citadel Men and the Legacy Society of The Citadel Foundation.

He is survived by his children, Louisa Chisolm Sperr Villeneuve (Joe) of John's Island, SC, and John “Elliott” Sperr (Natalie) of Raleigh, NC; two grandchildren, William Geer Villeneuve and Leila Elliott Chisolm Villeneuve; his brother, Charles “Chip” Edward Sperr (Amy) of Alpharetta, GA; his sister, Alexis Sperr Morris (Milton) of Olanta, SC; his mother-in-law, Louisa Patillo Geer Wardlaw of Charleston, SC; his brother-in-law, Elliott Stuart Wardlaw (Wendy) of Charlotte, NC; and seven nieces and nephews, Natalie (Sean), Dustin (Kari), Michael (Stephanie), Stephen, Ivan, Leigh, and Zane.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Felicia Chisolm Wardlaw Sperr; his parents, the late Edward John and Sylvia Louise Sperr; his sister, Leslie Louise Sperr Hamilton of Stone Mountain, GA; and his father-in-law, William Elliott Wardlaw.

Pete’s legacy of service, love for his family, and passion for the sea will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Swain for their invaluable support and friendship, particularly during Pete's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The St. Philip’s Building Fund, The Citadel Tennis Team, and The Citadel Sailing Team.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM Monday, June 24, 2024, at St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street. Interment will follow in the St. Philip's Churchyard.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston (843) 766-1365.