John P. Wellspeak

ALBANY- John Wellspeak, 70, died suddenly on Friday, June 19, 2026 when the kind heart that endeared him to so many failed for the last time.

John was born to Nelson and Dorothy Rusek Wellspeak, their third of seven children. With only a daughter’s name picked out, his band director father discovered it was also the birthday of the “March King,” and John Philip Wellspeak was christened. John loved a parade.

His birthday also brought him into the world in time for Election Day, perhaps driving his lifelong passion for politics and campaigns. A highly partisan Democrat, he held organizing positions in local, state and national campaigns, working with a highly focused intensity that was alternately disconcerting and highly entertaining. For more than 35 years, he worked for the New York State Assembly, the last 26 as director of Administration.

Politics brought John many friendships and one wife. John and Shawn Morris married in 1985 and welcomed two children, Alanna and Devin. The union united two large families, in which their mothers became best friends. Their 12 siblings, with their spouses and many nieces and nephews, gather frequently at their home joined by the friends and neighbors who opted into the Morris Wellspeak clan. John was the grill master, happy to share strong opinions on grilling and smoking meat and fish….and any other topic that may have come up.

The intensity John brought to work softened around those he loved. He organized Shawn’s campaigns for Albany City Council, always claiming to be just the spouse. He was a father of “yes”, encouraging Alanna and Devin to travel, explore dreams, try new sports and activities, although raising two very good debaters caused him moments of consternation. It surprised no one when they both joined the family business of politics. He shared that support and encouragement among their extended family and friends. He was a comforting and safe place for two generations of nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents and brother Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Shawn Morris and children Alanna and Devin (and his partner Josh). He will also be missed by his siblings and in-laws Dennis Wellspeak, Michelle and Tom Turnbull, Colette and Martin Lawless, Debra Wellspeak, Chris Wellspeak, Margaret Holoday, Colleen Morris, Kathie and Dick Hastings, Louise Rauh and Jerry Weiss and Patrick and Maryanne Morris, as well as more than 20 nieces and nephews and their families.

A funeral Mass will celebrated Saturday June 27, 2026 at 10:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church 391 Delaware Ave., Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with John's family on Friday June 26, 2026 from 3-7 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave. Albany.

John was active in Special Olympics, acting as a golf partner to nephew Ed Lawless. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Special Olympics New York at 94 New Karner Rd., Suite 208, Albany, N.Y. 12203. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com