David L. Spencer

David attended Dunkirk schools before joining the Navy in 1948. He served with distinction for fourteen years, mostly from the base at Norfolk, VA. David served aboard all sorts of vessels, including submarines. For a substantial portion of David’s career, Admirals chose him as their private driver at various ports of call around the world. He steadily rose through the Navy ranks to achieve the rank of ENC (Chief Engineman). In 1955, he met and married the former Anne M. Jensen and started a family. He received an honorable discharge and medical retirement from the Navy in 1962 and returned to Fredonia with his wife and children. David took a position at the Chautauqua County Home and Infirmary as a maintenance mechanic. He worked at the facility for 30 years where he retired as the Director of Maintenance.

David enjoyed hunting, fishing, planting his tulip trees and growing tomatoes in his garden. Aside from raising his own five children, he also helped to raise his grandchildren. He was a 63 year survivor of Type 1 diabetes.

In addition to his wife of 69 years, the former Anne M. Jensen, David is survived by his children: Sue A. Spencer of Fredonia; Daniel (Rebecca) Spencer of Decatur, Georgia; Elaine Spencer-Carter of Rochester; Carol (Mark) DiRusso of Fredonia; James Spencer of Fredonia; as well as four grandchildren including Axion Wren Blair, John Blair, Megan Blair and Warren Carter; also two great grandsons, Jackson and Henry Blair.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers Earl Spencer Jr., John Spencer, Jerome Spencer, and his sister Sheila Spencer Kuehn.

On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Larson-Timko Funeral Home.