Earle F. "Spence" Spencer Jr.

OLD SAYBROOK, CT – Earle F. Spencer Jr., "Spence", 75, of Cove St., Old Saybrook, passed away Nov. 4, 2013 at L&M Hospital. Born January 24, 1938, he was the son of the late Richard L. Spencer and Jessie M. (Crouch) Spencer of Mystic, CT. Earle attended Groton Public Schools and Fitch High School.
Earle joined, and became one of the finest Marines in the US Marine Corps in 1955 with an honorable discharge in 1961. Earle began his career in 1957 with the State of Connecticut, Dept. of Transportation for 35 years, retiring in 1992 as the Transportation Garage Supervisor of the Higganum, CT Repair Facility. Earle's tenure there included servicing the engines of the Chester Ferry (Selden III). In addition to the State of CT, Earle worked part time for over 20 years with the Cross Sound Ferry (Nelsco Navigation) of New London, CT as a ships engineer. Earle was a member of both, the Old Saybrook Fire Dept. as well as the Estuary Lodge No. 43, A.F. and A.M. of Old Saybrook.
Along with his unconditional love of his family, friends and animals Earle was an avid outdoorsman. Earle was a lifetime member of the Rhode Island Mobile Sportsfishermen (RIMS), where he spent many hours clamming, fishing and enjoying the beauty of the ocean. He passed this love of nature and outdoor activities to his children and grandchildren. His eldest son Earle III inherited his excellent mechanical abilities.
Earle is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia A. (Robert) Spencer of 56 years, his sons, Earle F. Spencer III of Enfield, CT; Robert A. Spencer of Niantic, CT and his daughter, Joyce A. (Spencer) Murray and son-in-law Timothy M. Murray of Westerly, RI; four grandchildren, Ian J. Spencer of New London, CT, Thomas M. Murray and his wife Trang Nguyen Murray of Makawao, HI, Ross D. and Monica M. Spencer of Niantic, CT. Earle had recently become a great-grandfather to Nile Malia Murray of Makawao, HI. He is also survived by his sister, Joan G. (Spencer) Watkins and brother-in-law Gerald C. Watkins of Ledyard, CT; numerous nieces and nephews. Earle is also survived by his very special friend, James E. Lewis, Jr. and his wife Jean along with many other wonderful friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. Visiting hours will be 1 to 3 p.m. with Chapel and Military services at 3 p.m. A reception will follow at Clark Memorial Field, 210 Elm St., Old Saybrook, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Saybrook Fire Dept. or the Old Saybrook Ambulance Association.