Floyd Sperino, resident of Swansea, Ill., and formerly of Collinsville, Ill., born June 5, 1926, in Collinsville, Ill., died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.



He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred, nee Krause, Sperino-Sapp; father, Gus Sperino; and stepfather, Loren "Sam" Sapp.



Survived by his wife of 61 years, Bernice, nee Elmore, Sperino; stepbrother, Elwood (Jacquie) Sapp of Collinsville, Ill.; two daughters, Pamela (Bruce) Elser of Swansea, Ill., and Shari (Tom) Milward of Maryland Heights, Mo.; four grandchildren, Andy (fiancee, Brittany Forshee) Elser, Nick Elser, Eric Thomas and Lori Thomas; sister-in-law, Shirley (John) Trnka; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.



Mr. Sperino graduated from Collinsville High School, Gladys Turner Floral School in St Louis, Mo., and LaSalle Extension University of Chicago, Ill.



He had a passion for music and the arts from high school to the present. Floyd was well known in the community for his performances, many of which he did along with his wife, Bernice. He participated in band and chorus in high school and in church choir.



Floyd worked in retail sales on Main Street in Collinsville for 19 years before opening his own business there. He and his wife opened Floyd's Flowers and Gifts in 1962 and operated there for 25 years. His professional accomplishments include: attending "Study with the Masters" European Design School in Montecatini, Italy and World Wide Design Competition in Rome, Italy in 1987; listed in "Who's Who in Floriculture" in 1982; member of Gold Medal Florist Association; past president of Madison County Florist Association; past treasurer of Lewis and Clark Unit of Teleflora Association; served on the Horticulture Advisory Board of Southwestern Illinois College; and held chairman positions for the Italian Fest.



Upon retirement, Floyd became active in volunteer work in the Collinsville Historical Museum. He was past President and past Director/Curator of Friends of the Museum; currently a member of the Museum Board of Directors; wrote, photographed and produced the video "Collinsville Then and Now": receiving Certificates of Appreciation from Collinsville civic groups for these accomplishments.



Floyd is a member of St. John Church in Collinsville, Ill., where he was a past chairman of the Historical Committee and has been a choir member, along with his wife, for over 70 years.



Floyd's family would like to thank his doctors and all the staff of Memorial Hospital for all the love and care they have given him through the years.



Memorials may be given to St John UCC in Collinsville or the Collinsville Historical Society in Collinsville.



Visitation will be at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.



Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the St John United Church of Christ Church in Collinsville, Ill., with Pastor Tony Minear officiating. Interment in St. John Cemetery in Collinsville, Ill.



HERR FUNERAL HOME, Collinsville, Ill.