J. Nelson Spencer

J. Nelson Spencer died on November 18, 2008 at age 98. He was born in Worcester, son of Arthur J. Spencer and Ethel M. (Swan) Spencer. He graduated from Worcester's North High School and from Boston University where he majored in Accounting. His wife, Mildred (Clark) Spencer, died in 1986.

Nelson retired from Wyman-Gordon Company where he was Chief Cost Accountant. He held a number of part-time positions thereafter including serving as the first accountant for the restored Mechanics Hall in Worcester. He also taught accounting courses at the Worcester Junior College's evening program for nearly twenty years.

A Charter Member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Nelson was an Eagle Scout in Wesley's Troop 8 and served in various positions with the Troop for approximately forty years. At Wesley, he was also the Lay leader, Church School Superintendent, a member of the Board of Trustees and the recipient of a number of awards associated with his church membership. He was also active in, and was a life member of, both the National Association of Cost Accountants and the Greendale Men's Club.

From 1993 until his death, Nelson resided in the Briarwood Retirement Community where he chaired, or served as a member of, many resident committees including President of the Briarwood Residents Association.

He is survived by: his son John N. ("Jack") Spencer, Jr. and Jack's wife Carol Pennock Spencer, of Tequesta, Florida; two grandchildren, Kristin Spencer of Charlotte, North Carolina and Mark Spencer of Arlington, Texas; two great granddaughters, Lauryn and Abigail Spencer of Arlington, Texas; and his former daughter-in-law, Karlene Spencer of Alpharetta, Georgia. Also surviving him are his special friend, Audrey Terpo of Worcester and her four daughters: Judith Jakubowski of Baltimore, Maryland; Martha Rudner (and husband Michael Klein) of Plantation, Florida; Evelyn Shannon (and husband Thomas Shannon) of Marshfield; and Janice Anderson (and husband Jon Anderson) of Worcester.

A funeral service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 22 at 9 am. It is requested that flowers be omitted and contributions be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church Honor Fund  114 Main St. Worcester 01608.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Caswell King Funeral Home.