David Charles Spicer

1946 - 2017

David Charles Spicer obituary, 1946-2017, Wethersfield, PA

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David Spicer Obituary



David Spicer died peacefully at the home of his daughter in Malvern, PA surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. At the time of his death, he was Minister of Music & the Arts at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, CT, Adjunct Professor of Music at Tunxis Community College and host of "Glory, Praise and Song" on radio station WIHS. Before assuming the Wethersfield position in October 1986, Spicer was Director of Music at the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, and taught church music at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Prior to this he was Organist/Choirmaster at the Wayne (Pennsylvania) Presbyterian Church. A native of Austin, Texas, Spicer received his first musical training from his parents, playing the organ in church at the age of eight. Spicer was a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he was an Artist/Scholar under the renowned Dr. Alexander McCurdy. Graduate studies were completed at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, also in Philadelphia. Further organ study was done under Dr. Robert Elmore. Spicer acknowledges Dr. Virgil Fox as a source of inspiration for his own style of organ playing. As a recitalist, David Spicer always involved his audience and liked to feel that they "walked away with a greater understanding of the king of instruments." Spicer was house organist at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts in Hartford and had taught at Central Connecticut State University. A gifted conductor, Spicer presented several area premier performances. As a teacher, he had the distinction of having had three of his students win full scholarships to his alma mater, the Curtis Institute of Music. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists and the American Federation of Musicians. In 1997 he co-founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. This national competition is for high school student organists and those in college (through age 26), the Young Professional division. David Spicer is survived by his wife Dana, seven children, sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was dedicated to the idea that Christianity and music, two of the greatest forces in our world, could effectively merge to wash away "the dust of everyday life" from our souls. A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield on Saturday, February 11 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA, 31 Church St., Wethersfield, CT 06109.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 22, 2017.
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I will always remember David even though I knew him for only a short time in 1974 when I sang with the chorus in the “Berlioz Requiem.” I am also a musician, and David inspired me!

Jane Barsumian

Friend

January 15, 2024

In 1969/1970, i attended Wayne Presbyterian Curch where i very much enjoyed David’s organ playing. I also sang in the chorus when David conducted the Berlioz Requiem with orchestra. I have never forgotten this thrilling experience!
Jane Barsumian (Rineer at the time). So sorry to learn that David has passed!

Jane (formerly Rineer) Barsumian

Acquaintance

May 27, 2021

Hope this has not come in already! Uncle Spice, You were the best! Where else could I have learned the rich classical heritage of sacred music? You exposed so many of us and we are all grateful. Because of you I play the organ (as does my daughter; you've reached across generations!) Thank you David; again and again!

Jim Wilson

Student

January 22, 2021

May God bless you, Dana and family. David was a very special man, who had a profound influence on me.

Charles King

Friend

January 21, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Spicer's loved ones. I am greatly saddened to hear of his passing. I have no doubt he is happily directing a choir of Angels, with his rubber chicken on the stand 'at-the-ready'. *grin*

I have many memories of Mr. Spicer, as I was a longtime member of his choirs since 5th or 6th grade. It would take weeks to pore over them all. My fondest memory is after the Awards choir practice one day. He gave each choir 'awards' at the end of every year and that year, I was in the high school choir. That day, he asked me to stay behind. He sat on the piano bench and proceeded to write in my newly awarded copy of Handel's Messiah, and said, 'You have tremendous musical talent, Kristi. I hope you continue with music. God gave you a gift. If you don't use it, it will go away'. Those words have always been with me and have always been a guiding mantra for me when it comes to music.

His unique methods of teaching have stuck with me. Even today at age 53 I can still hear his voice: 'you have to get each syl-LAH-ble right', when teaching us to sing the Lords Prayer, he'd sing it, 'Our father...who art in Heaven..hallow-ed be thy name - REST REST - thy Kingdom come...' to show us how to count the pausing-beats, and much more. His techniques are what I used to help my own children when teaching them music - my daughters sing, and my son plays the drums.

His personal attention during practices, to help ease my nervousness about performing my first 'adult' solo, The Song Of Mary from The Messiah, was what got me through it: 'look at the top of their heads, the back of the church, the bottom of the windows...'.

His confidence in my abilities brought forth my own self confidence. Not only that and other solos, but I can still hear him saying 'and this part, Kristi will play', in Bell Choir practice. 3 bells, in EACH hand?? ME??? Well, I did it. He knew I could do it, when I didn't believe it for a second. That wasn't the only time, and he never stopped gently easing me forward to break whatever limits I thought I had.

I was very upset when he left Wayne Pres. He had been my mentor, my teacher, my musical rock. The choir - and those of us in it - was never the same again. I think I stayed in it for another year, but then I stopped. It's soul was not there anymore and it was noticeably different.

Him directing The Messiah, Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat, It's Cool In The Furnace (just to name a few), were steadfast staple choral performances each year at Wayne Pres., and the memories of being in his choir for those many years are fondly etched in my heart.
Just like Mr. Spicer.
Blessings, love and peace to his family and loved ones.

Kristi Caylor

January 18, 2019

I just recently learned about David's death as a result of searching on the Internet for my previous teachers and mentors in Music -- of which David was No. 2 (of 3). I first started the process by searching for my "first" Trumpet teacher, Alex Wilson, whom I learned died in 2015. Then I searched Don McComas, a prior member of Wayne Pres, and former Asst Principal Trumpet of the Phila. Orchestra (Don's wife Sharlene played Flute in the Phila Orch and is living in Montana). I discoverd that Don died in 2011 from Interstitial Fibrosis. When I also thought back on another great loss, Dr. Keith Chapman (in 1985), I immediately searched for any information about David Spicer.

Alas, I discovered I was too late to contact him and let him know how fundamentally important he was in my development, understanding, and appreciation of -- David's own life's passion and expertise -- MUSIC. I then searched further and discovered there is a Wikipedia entry for David. I took the liberty to insert some added facts to further enhance the entry about him and his life. (I also encourage anyone else who has knowledge beyond that which is written, to provide their input too).

What astounded me most about David was his unabashed DRIVE to perform the BEST music he could. I fondly remember great performances such as: Berlioz Requiem, Verdi Requiem, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Walton's Belshazzar's Feast, and others like Vivaldi's Gloria. At the time we did these, it was "normal" for me and I just revelled in the experience. It wasn't until later that I understand just HOW unique David was considering his ability to obtain the funds for the orchestra, secure the members of the orchesra, practice (both choir and orchestra), and then perform such inspiring and masterfull performances. ASTOUNDING is the word that comes to mind.

When I researched more about David, I discovered three ironies. First, David graduated from the Curtiss Institute of Music and came to Wayne Pres Church at the same time that my family moved from the Ardmore area to Valley Forge. While I knew David was young, I didn't know he was that young (as Choir Director / Organist). Secondly, when David was at Curtiss, one of his classmates was Dr. Keith Chapman, who was the Organist for the famed John Wanamaker Organ in Phia. I also performed with Keith Chapmanin Phila and am grateful for the experience. Thirdly, David moved to Lincoln, NE in the early 1980's to serve as Choir Director and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, NE. Little did I know that I lived a mere 65 miles away in Omaha, NE at the time -- but the Internet did not exist. Otherwise, I would have contacted him.

David knew how important it was musically to enunciate, phrase, maintain LONG, OPEN tones, and take breaths at "non-normal" times in order to maintain continuity of sound throughout the choir. In conjunction with my Trumpet teachers, I learned how to "attack" the music with clear, defintive entries. His lessons and direction have served me well whenever performing.

The accodales for David are so well deserved. He inspired so many and brought so much richness to the entire musical experience. I am so thankful that I had him as a teacher and mentor during those early years at Wayne Pres. He was so unique in so many ways. Thank you David for your commitment and dedication to musical excellence. You are like no other I have known. May God richly bless you as you contiue your Enternal Life with HIM.

Laurence Wagner

February 25, 2018

He will be missed, we had not been close since high school. He was very bright and I believe a Christian man. He was oh so talented. We had many good times.

Dan Bayless

Friend

February 5, 2018

I feel very fortunate to be able to call David Spicer my pipe organ mentor. I learned the organ when I was in my thirties, after mastering in choral conducting and piano. David implanted in me a deep love and appreciation for the pipe organ, but also he shook my whole musical world. He was a phenomenal musician with such a tremendous knowledge and unique perspectives of classical and Christian music. He also was a dynamic and proficient choral and orchestral director. He was an amazing organist. His performances of organ classical organ literature as well as his hymn interpretation and improvisations were superb. He didn't get enough of his arrangements published, he just couldn't take time off his music ministry. Instead, he gave all of his time to so many people and touched so many lives. Will always gratefully remember him and will miss him deeply!

Olga Ljungholm

February 21, 2017

I was lucky to grow up in David's youth choirs at Wayne Presbyterian and will always remember the "Bee upon his shoulder" when practicing Handel's Messiah, and having the rubber chicken thrown if you were singing too quietly. David was so talented from such an early age and it was remarkable at the end of a church service to see people move into the front rows to listen to his postludes, rather than go to fellowship hall. Widor's Symphony no. 5 was on my radio one day in 2008, so I looked up David Spicer, and he was to have a recital "Toccata or Not Toccata" in 2 weeks, which my family was very fortunate to attend. My great love for organ music is due to David, and I'm sure many others as well. He has left a great legacy and brought so much joy to us.

Beth Hunter Hallissey

February 10, 2017

David was a BIG part of our family at Wayne Pres. Probably one of my dads all time favorite organ masters. Memories of at maybe age 10 hauling pipes out of a U-Haul truck David secured from NYC into our church for the new organ. My brother maybe being the tallest Amahl in the annual production of "Amahl and the night visitors" (2 years). Our youth choir singing the first service for a number of years. I could go on. You will be missed sir!
-John Davidson

John Davidson

February 7, 2017

I am so grateful for David Spicer and his level of musical excellence, his humor, his faith, commitment, and courage.
Dear to me those Easter Morning Services at First Church. Hallelujah never sounded so glorious. Hope you are studying diligently with the Ascended Masters while you wait for the rest of us David! Shalom and sincere thanks!Our condolences for the Spicer family.

Jacquelyn (Bennett) Contreras

February 3, 2017

Remi Spicer

January 31, 2017

it is difficult to find adequate words to convey the impact that David had on me, my family and others that we know through his kind nature and passion for music. Our loss is heaven's gain!

Justine Grandpre

January 27, 2017

It has been a gift to have David Spicer in our midst at Tunxis Community College as one of our adjunct professors. Whenever he came to the Library to visit before his class, he shared that beautiful smile, a warm and loving sentiment, humor, humility, and always a hello to any family members of ours he'd met. He was a man of great joy, love, spirit, and intellect. And I dare say, whimsy! His students and his colleagues were blessed to know him. I am sharing a photo David allowed us to take of him for our library's "book shelfie" project. He was a brilliant musician, but also knew how to make people smile. He will be deeply missed. Sympathy, love, and strength to his wife, family, and friends.

Lisa Lavoie

January 26, 2017

Dear Friends of David,

I was surprised to hear of David's passing (I was not aware of the cancer). I started organ study with him at the age of 15 at Wayne Pres., and through his program was brought into the world of classical sacred choral music. He made the 9:30 high school church choir available to me, gave me conducting opportunities as a 15 year old and supported my musical development in every possible way; I played my first full church service at Wayne at the age of 16.

As a public school music teacher, I have my own "rubber chicken" (Thank you Carolyn Kidder!) in my classroom (inspired by David).

David was an incredible gift to all who knew him; he inspired us and helped us to strive toward our musical potential with a smile and good humor.

I'm grateful that God brought us together.
Godspeed David!

Jim Wilson
Organist/Choirmaster
Christ Church Reading
Reading, PA

James K. Wilson

January 25, 2017

I am deeply sorry for your family's loss. May you find comfort in God's beautiful promises for the future. John 6:40

Teresa,

January 25, 2017

David was always a sensitive and gracious musician with an impish sense of humor. I will cherish the times I played with him as a conductor. He brought beautiful music to the world.

Rebecca Noreen

January 25, 2017

Being the Sunday night building monitor at the First Church of Christ I got to know David in his quiet time. Usually he was always the last to leave the building. Before leaving he alway wanted me to check in before I left. Invariably I would find him at the organ, in the meeting house, the music room or at the prayer wall in the atrium over looking ancient Village Cemetery. His parting words were always "God Bless". He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. Bill McKeen

January 25, 2017

Dear Spicer Family and Friends,I wanted to share my deepest sympathy for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during this time. May his words at Psalm 9:9 warm your hearts.With Warm Regards,Mary Louis

January 25, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spicer family. David's passing is a great loss to our whole community. He was an important person in my daughter's life and education. He will be missed.

Heather Willard

January 24, 2017

Our condolences to Dana and family on David's passing. He shared his great gift of music from God with everyone and inspired them to seek out God and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ward and Martha Rogers

January 24, 2017

DR.PAUL A. BENDER of FT.LAUDERDALE,Fl.
DAVID WAS A SUPERB CHURCH MUSICIAN &
WONDERFUL FRIEND.

PAUL BEMDER

January 24, 2017

We were happily blessed to have met David and to have had a wonderful relationship for the past 15 years. He is a remarkable man and we are better for knowing him. He spread such joy and his love of music has inspired everyone who heard him play and witness his enthusiasm. David was such a gift and an immensely kind, thoughtful and generous person. Our condolences to the Spicer Family. The Reinfrank and Dedo Families

Rudy Reinfrank

January 24, 2017

What extreme fortune to have 2 out of 4 boys enter Sir Davids world at 10 Matt and 13 Ryan. Sir David was and is, the most remarkable person I know of. His impact on the young that came to him was beyond a adjective laden paragraphs that I could come up with, Parents know.

Bill Burke

January 23, 2017

David was a real brother in the Lord. We will miss him. I know I will.

Bob Wasserman

January 23, 2017

I was blessed to sing under David's direction in the First Church choir and on a number of performances in the First Church concert series over the course of the last few years. I learned so much about making music with others under his leadership, and will be forever inspired by the example that he set as a musician, as a Christian, and, above all, as a human being. David will truly be missed. I offer my sincerest condolences to Dana and all of David's family and friends during this immensely difficult time.

Greta Moorhead

January 23, 2017

Monday,January 23, 2017

The world has lost one of its musical lights. The hours I spent rehearsing and performing with David and the
Wayne Presbyterian Oratorio Choir, were indeed a treasured part of my life. His religious quest for musical perfection in praise of God, through effective use of his natural talent, exuberance, and humor, wrought many inspiring experiences. He was a unique and wonderful man, and will be sorely missed.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Dana and the family. May God bless and comfort them at this time of loss.
I pray that one source of solace for them may be the assurance that his "works will follow after him"

-Charles King, Edgewater, Florida

January 23, 2017

My deepest condolences to Dana and all the family. Truly David was a thoroughly good man, blessed by God with sure faith in and love of Him, and also blessed with an absolutely tremendous gift of music. In my memory he shines, as organist, choirmaster, and conductor. I've sung with many conductors, but I never approached a concert better prepared than with David. He also had a great, and occasionally quirky sense of humor. I remember well (and I'm sure other "Wayne Pres. choir members do too) the famous rubber chicken.. He is, I'm sure, playing organ and conducting one of the heavenly choirs, and, I think possibly, giving some of the angels a thoroughly good laugh.
My steady prayers for Dana and all the family.

Carolyn Kidder

January 22, 2017

I enjoyed so much of Mr Spider's music at First Church. He was an inspiration to countless people.
Yes Christianity and music does indeed wash away the dust from our souls.
Sincerest codolences to the Spicer family.

Nancy Dickman

January 22, 2017

God bless you all as you travel this journey...David was such an accomplished and wonderful man who left behind a legacy of family, friends, colleagues and fellow believers who have benefited from his enhancement of worship thru the medium of music..... I know he impacted my life as a teenager when he showed me the intricate pipes of that glorious instrument at Wayne Presbyterian, and made me want to sing...

Betsy Harris Ballantyne

January 22, 2017

I have such fond memories of David at Wayne Presbyterian Church...he was such an inspiration and also through his music created so many bonds of friendship that still exist today...singing in his choir was absolutely exhilarating...I have experienced nothing like it since...prayers to all of his family and loved ones who were so lucky to have him in their lives...God Bless you all during this difficult time...love Evelyn (Iverson) McMahon..

Evelyn McMahon

January 22, 2017

May you rest in the arms of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, until He call His Bride home.

Ron DeJohn

January 22, 2017

Dear Dana and Family, I am saddened to learn your loss and offer my sincerest condolences. I am blessed to have been a 50 year member of First Church and greatly enjoyed David's music for many years. I pray that loving support of Family and Friends brings some relief to you all.

Buddy Officer

January 22, 2017

We have had the privilege of hearing David Spicers music throughout the years at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield. He was an amazing man and God truly blessed him with the gift of music which he passed on to others. Our sympathies go out to all family members. Peace be with you. Anna and Michael Spencer

January 22, 2017

David was a true inspiration everytime I attended worship at First Church. As a fellow organist he made me proud of our profession. He was not only an amazing musician, but truly a profoundly good man. He will be missed by all who had the good fortunate to know him.

Chris Muller

January 22, 2017

A great man and artist. He brought much joy through his music.

January 22, 2017

Dear Dana & Family,
Beth and I wish to express our deepest
sympathy and condolences to you and
your family in the passing of David. Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. We will miss David's God given gifts of music on the Austin pipe organ, and as a superior director of our choir at First Church in Wethersfield. In addition, we will miss his sense of humor and interest in Lionel trains.

Robert & Elizabeth Hieronymus

January 21, 2017

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Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

First Church of Christ

250 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT

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24 Monument Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355

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