Obituary of Richard E. Spencer

Richard E. Spencer Sr. Age: 90 –Lakeview, Rockville Centre, NY Born in New York, NY on June 25, 1923, Richard E. Spencer Sr., 90, entered eternal life after a long illness. Richard spent a majority of his early life in Manhattan and the Bronx, NY. Following a tour of duty in Europe with the US Army, where his fluency in French was used to support forays supplying gasoline to mechanized allied armies, Richard married the love of his life, Estelle M. Dear, on his 23rd birthday in 1947. Following military service, Richard again parlayed his language skills, joining the staff of the French company, Berkaw Industries, a supplier of machined goods to the US Navy. When the company returned to France, Richard moved on to employment with the United States Postal Service. After many years as loading dock foreman, and at the request of upper management; Richard received intensive training in Industrial Engineering. Following graduation, he teamed with others in the redesign of Grand Central Terminal and Brooklyn Army Terminal, two of New York’s largest and busiest postal terminals. Richard loved his garden. Every year, he would set aside his prized fruit to compete with his son’s NJ neighbors for bragging rights to the “World’s Best Tomato.” He was known for stories of how he fought off countless cats with rocks, hoses and brooms to grow such beautiful tomatoes. With a life- time filled with different experiences, there are countless stories stretching from his time served in the Army, to accidentally harpooning the wall upstairs with his daughter’s umbrella while “picking up” after the kids. He was known as the handyman to the neighborhood, and mastered projects few even attempt including building his own garage and television set. He enjoyed saltwater fishing, fine scotch, cross word puzzles, football, baseball and, most of all, the sunset. Richard will always be known for doing things his way…the right way! Richard leaves behind his lifelong wife Estelle Spencer, son Richard E. Spencer Jr., daughter Sharon L. Spencer, grandchildren Kristen and Bryan Spencer and several nieces, cousins and friends. Friends may call April 10, 2014 from 2-4pm at Thomas A. Glynn & Son Funeral Home Funeral Home, 20 Lincoln Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY.Funeral Service at 3:30 PM at the funeral home with military honors.