Community mourns the loss of distinguished college coach and father

PLATTSBURGH | A weekend accident on Route 9 has claimed the life of a well-known Peru father, husband and collegiate soccer coach. New York State Police said the accident happened at about 10 a.m. Sunday when Geoffrey M. Spear is believed to have suffered a medical event and lost control of his truck, crashing into a telephone pole and tree. Despite the fast action of troopers and local EMS, emergency life-saving measures were unsuccessful and Spear, 63, was pronounced deceased at the accident site. The crash remained under investigation Monday morning. Services for Spear had not yet been announced at that time. Arrangements are being handled by Hamilton Funeral Home in Peru. Spear, a married father of four, was a longtime Peru resident and well-known within the community for his years of involvement in the town, Peru Community Church, Peru Youth Commission and youth travel soccer clubs among other causes. The Peru High School alum graduated from Plattsburgh State in 1985 earning a Masters Degree in education and athletic management at Springfield College. Returning to the area, his passion in the world of local soccer grew becoming a legacy at Plattsburgh State where he served two lengthy stints as a coach with the men's soccer program in addition to time spent with Paul Smith's and Clinton Community College teams. In the early 1990s, Spear was also a men's soccer assistant coach at perennial power Connecticut, heavily involved with recruiting and training for the NCAA Division I program. Coach Spear was a mentor to countless college soccer athletes from the late 1980s through the most recent season- his 29th on the college level. He was deeply invested in the Cardinals program and specialized in goalkeeper training. The Plattsburgh State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation said Spear coached with the men's soccer team for 29 seasons and the women's soccer team over the last three years. During his tenure as an assistant at Plattsburgh, the men's program saw sustained success, with the team earning seven State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) titles since he started in 1994 and advancing to nine NCAA Tournaments in that span. Spear also helped the women's team to two SUNYAC playoff appearances in his three years working with the team. "Geoff was a rare breed, serving as an assistant coach for our programs for over 20 years and loving every minute," Plattsburgh State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Mike Howard said. "His love for the game of soccer and deep dedication to our student-athletes was evident in everything he did. He was greatly admired by all of our staff, and I know I speak for all of us in Cardinal Athletics in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Spear family." He also made a lasting impression among young athletes, fellow coaches and parents in the Plattsburgh FC Soccer program, where he was instrumental in mentoring and shaping the interests and skills of youth soccer players from across the region. In a statement, the Plattsburgh FC Soccer program offered heartfelt condolences amid the devastating loss, calling Spear "a beloved member of our soccer family." "For many years, Geoff was a dedicated and inspiring coach within our club, mentoring countless players and leaving a lasting impact both on and off the field. His passion for the game, commitment to his players, and unwavering positivity made him a cherished figure in our community. "Geoff's influence extended far beyond the soccer field. He was a mentor, a role model, and a friend to all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his love of the sport and his dedication to fostering growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship. "Our hearts go out to Geoff's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. As a club, we will support them in any way we can and honor Geoff's memory in the days and weeks ahead. "In remembrance of Geoff, we encourage all members of our community to join us in celebrating his life and contributions to the game he loved." In addition to coaching, Spear served as a state evaluator for the Olympic Development Program from 1996 to 1998 with an Advanced National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and a Level B coaching license from the U.S. Soccer Federation.

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Community mourns the loss of distinguished college coach and father

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