Korean War veteran, longtime Melrose alderman
Published in the November 11, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Paul J. “PJ” Spencer, 86, passed away at the VA Hospital in Bedford on Monday morning, Nov. 7
Mr. Spencer was born in Melrose on March 20, 1930 to the late Thomas and Gertrude (Keenan) Spencer. He was raised in Saugus and Malden and graduated from Malden High School, Class of 1950. He also received an associate’s degree from Northeastern University. Paul served his country with pride in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
Mr. Spencer worked as a contract administrator at Raytheon for 35 years, retiring in 1992.
A resident of Melrose since 1955, Paul was very involved in local politics and served on the Board of Aldermen for over 15 years for the City of Melrose. He was also a commissioner at the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose for many years.
Mr. Spencer was a longtime member of St. Mary Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Melrose Elks and was a member of a local AMVETS in the area.
Paul was well-known in his neighborhood for his large vegetable garden and could always be found in “The Barn” working on cars or doing small engine repairs.
He loved going up to his place on Long Lake in Maine and spending time out on his boat. But most of all he loved his family, especially all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Spencer was the beloved husband of 61 years to Arlene E. (Sullivan) Spencer. He was the loving father of the late Paul J. Spencer Jr., Peter Spencer and his wife Patty, Amy Blades and her husband Thomas Sr. and John T. Spencer, all of Melrose. He was the caring brother of Audrey Bertrand of Saugus, Joyce O’Leary of Tennessee and the late Thomas F. Spencer Jr., John Spencer, Gerald Spencer and June York. Cherished grandfather of Paul J. III, Sean and Adam Spencer, Timothy and Grace Spencer, Thomas Blades Jr. and his wife Emily, Joseph P. Blades, Ashley Barreto and her husband Cesar and Allyson and Molly Jane Spencer. Great-grandfather of Amira Marie and Alina Beth Barreto. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral was from the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 10 a.m.
Interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Paul’s name to Alzheimer’s Research Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown MA 02472. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
