Harry I Spencer

HOLDEN - Harry I. Spencer, Jr., of Holden, Massachusetts died on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His beloved wife of 63 years, Violet V. (Bergquist) Spencer died in 2014.

Harry is survived by his three children: Nancy E. Spencer and her life partner, Jerry Haynie, of Lakewood, CO; Harry I. Spencer, III and his wife, Nancy, of Rutland and Carol H. Wipper and her husband, Scott, of Concord. He also leaves four grandchildren who called him “Papa”: Erin and her husband, Ethan Caless, Laura Spencer, Michael Wipper and Emma-Sofia Wipper; a great granddaughter Alana Spencer Caless, his sister, Marion Lebourveau of Needham, eight nieces and many great nieces and nephews.

Harry was born and grew up in Worcester, the son of Harry I. and Bertha (Johnson) Spencer, and lived there for 43 years before moving to Holden. He graduated from Worcester Academy and received his Bachelor’s degree from Clark University. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in Europe with First Army Headquarters and was awarded five Bronze Stars for battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge) and Central Europe. He was also involved in post-liberation activities at the Buchenwald concentration camp.

Harry was Executive Vice President, Treasurer and a Director of the former Worcester County National Bank (which later became part of Bank of America). He was instrumental in the bank’s many bank mergers and acquisitions, and in the construction of the twin tower bank building at Main and Pleasant Streets in Worcester. He served at the bank for 40 years until his retirement in 1988. In his work, Harry was well known and respected for his honesty, dedication, good judgment, humility, and respect for people.

Since early childhood, Harry spent summers at Lake Quaboag in Brookfield, first in his parent’s cottage and then in his own camp where he enjoyed boating, waterskiing, fishing and having family cookouts. During his first 15 years of retirement, Harry spent many winter months with his wife in Clearwater at Sand Key Beach, Florida.

Harry had many hobbies over the years including home repairs, following the stock market, repairing electronics, playing the piano and trumpet, listening to music, photography, golfing and accomplishing many do-it-yourself projects. He enjoyed vacationing in the U.S. and abroad with family and friends including a trip abroad to retrace his steps during the war to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day.

Harry was actively involved in community service his entire life and maintained countless lifelong friendships. For more than 80 years, he was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, where he was an usher and Trustee for over 40 years. He was a member of the YMCA Co-Wed Club, the Worcester County National Bank 25-Year Club, a Life Member of the Retired Men’s Club of Greendale and he was a past member of the former General Charles Devens American Legion Post 282.

Harry enjoyed attending the events and activities of his children and grandchildren. His family and friends always enjoyed listening to the many amazing stories from his childhood, World War II, and onward which quite often revealed his mischievous side. Harry was a devoted husband, father and friend and he will be missed greatly.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Harry's family on Sunday, September 27, from 2-5 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street Holden, MA. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, September 28, at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main Street, Worcester followed by burial at the All Faiths Cemetery in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Honor Fund at Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main Street, Worcester MA 01608. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit our "guest book" on this page.