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BORN
1936
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
John Spencer Obituary
Born September 15, 1936 to John Haines Spencer and Pauline Simmons Spencer, Jack was raised in Adams, Massachusetts. After graduating from Williston Prep School and Amherst College, he received a Masters in Education from Purdue University. While teaching at Williams High School in Stockbridge, he had the good fortune to meet and fall in love with Social Studies teacher Judith Leahey. On February 20, 1965, he had the good sense to marry her and continue a love affair that spanned more than fifty years.
Mr. Spencer was an educator for 47 years. He taught Social Studies at Williams High School and Monument Mountain Regional High School and was Principal of Searles Middle School. He encouraged students to be conscious seekers and doers, to be disturbers of the universe. He was chair of the Monument Social Studies department from its inception in 1967. The department created the first Holocaust curriculum for high school students in the country. Jack and Roselle Chartock coedited the anthology that came out of that curriculum.
Jack had a love of Stockbridge and its citizens, community activism and participation in government. He served on numerous committees and boards, including the Stockbridge Planning Board (chairman) and Zone of Appeals, The Stockbridge Library (president and member of the Board of Trustees), The Fund for Excellence and School Center, Inc. He was instrumental in writing the zoning bylaws for Stockbridge.
Jack is survived by daughters Ann Marie (Scott) Miller, Kathy (Fred) Erickson, sisters Judy Burbank and Cyndie Spencer (Denny Lund), Pat and Buz Hanley, Mike and Sally Leahey, Fred Wigge an exchange student who became part of the family, grandchildren Eric, Kristen and Amanda Miller and Emily Erickson, many close cousins, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, the lucky 13 and generations of well-educated students, an astounding number of loving friends and a grateful community.
He is predeceased by his parents Haines, Pauline and Louise Spencer, his wonderful wife Judy, and his step-mother Pat Swann.
SERVICES: A Ceremony of Celebration will be held Saturday, February 25th at 1 pm at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington. The family will receive friends following the ceremony at The Stockbridge Library.
Those who wish to remember Jack can perform a random act of kindness, be informed and active members of local and national communities or make a donation to The Stockbridge Library or the Jack Spencer Scholarship Fund through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
To send remembrances to his family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Spencer
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Carol (Truran) Vallery
July 4, 2017
So Sorry Wonderful Man! He was one of my teachers in High School.
Meg Hutchinson
February 26, 2017
When I arrived in Mr Spencer's social studies class in 1992 I was secretly a wreck. It was a brand new school system for me. My parents were divorcing. There were several tragic deaths in the community that fall.
But Mr Spencer had this way. His eyes were always just on the edge of laughter. He emanated kindness. And he was willing to challenge me.
When I showed up late to class one day he locked the classroom door. I stood in the hall for fifteen minutes. Eventually he opened the door. With a huge grin he pointed to the second door. "That one was unlocked the whole time" he said, grinning broadly. "You didn't think to try it now did you?
He saw my insecurity, and my arrogance, and he challenged me immediately. He called me a "flake." No other teacher could have managed it with just the right balance. It fired me up and I spent the rest of the year proving my dedication to learning in that classroom. I was never late to his class again.
But the classroom was just the beginning. Mr Spencer was a loving witness to our fragile adolescent selves. I'd look up at a track meet and he'd be standing up on that hill like a giant Oak tree. And I had the feeling that someone saw me. Not me running a track meet. Saw ME just being me. That just being me was good enough.
I needed that Oak tree of a mentor. So many of us did.
Mr Spencer remained a presence in the 24 years since. I'd receive a card, or an article he found interesting, or even a few years ago I looked up from stage to see Mr Spencer beaming from the back of the room. When I began to speak openly about mental illness Mr Spencer wrote me a beautiful message of encouragement.
He showed up. He showed up wholeheartedly for so many of us. As I sit surrounded by letters I saved I find myself in tears again. Every time I've felt locked out, or at rock bottom, I've thought of Mr Spencer and I've looked around for that second door.
The greatest human beings are those who live to encourage the flourishing of others. Mr Spencer perfected this. He is treasured.- With love and deepest gratitude.
Judy and Denny Sullivan
February 25, 2017
Ann Marie, Kathy and families,
I was so sorry to hear of your dad's death. He was a kind and gentle person..a pillar at Monument Mountain High School and for the Town of Stockbridge. Ann Marie and Kathy, you had awesome parents. They will be missed, but are together at peace.
God Bless all of you.
Judy and Denny Sullivan
Judy & Denny Sullivan
February 25, 2017
Ann Marie, Kathy and families,
Your dad was a kind and gentle person...a pillar at Monument Mountain and for the Town of Stockbridge. People like your dad are few and far between. You had two of the best parents. They will be so missed, but are together in peace.
God Bless all of you.
Judy and Denny Sullivan
Tom Norton
February 25, 2017
To the Spencer Family,
I came to Williams High school as a freshman in 1966. Jack, my history teacher instilled in me all that I have today with my love of History, politics and world cultures.(I ended up getting a BA in Anthropology fulfilling a quest he instilled in me- his classes were my favorite at Monument. He always kept in touch with me through the years when I saw him at games or at my daughter's performances at Monument. I will never forget how important it was to me that Jack attended the services at the loss of my Brother Kevin, my Father, and recently my Nephew Garret. That he took time out and expressed his sorrow at my losses will stay with me forever.
I attended the Christmas concert at the Stockbridge Congregational Church with my wife, Beth in 2015, and had the pleasure to sit next to Jack. My wife reminds me that during our conversations, He referred to me as the Philosopher. That could be the greatest compliment ever given to me. I share your loss and grief and will always hold Jack's memory close to my heart.
Amy Rauscher
February 25, 2017
My condolences to your family. Mr. Spencer was my favorite teacher at Monument. He was always an advocate for me, when he knew I couldn't be one for myself. He continued to check on me when he would see my mom through the years. He was a wonderful soul and wil be missed.
Kathleen Dietrich
February 24, 2017
I am a member of the Williams High Class of 1967 and was blessed to have both Mr. and Mrs. Spencer as teachers. Both changed my life positively and their passing leaves a void that can never be filled.
I always assumed that Mr. Spencer would be attending my funeral as he had both of my parents and my sister Karen. But sadly, that is not to be.
All that I can say to Mr. Spencer is "thank you" and we all will be seeing you later.
Liz DiGrigoli
February 24, 2017
John(Jack) was my teacher the first year he came to Williams High School. The best teacher anyone could ask for.--Since then he has come to our Senior Center for different reasons, and is still the best person anyone could ask for.
He will TRULY be missed.
Sincerely,
Liz DiGrigjoli and family
marilyn nejaime
February 24, 2017
Dear Ann Marie,Kathy,and families,
Nabih is recovering but we are not sure if we can be with you.
Please accept our sincere love and sympathy.
The Nejaimes
Joan Garnett
February 23, 2017
Mr. Spencer was the best teacher I had at Williams High School. He made us want to do extra work. It was a privilege to have him as a teacher.
I had the pleasure of photographing him for the hero awards back in 2005. Wonderful person.
T Lane
February 23, 2017
Susie Bell
February 23, 2017
To the Spencer family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your father. Mr. Spencer meant a great deal to me. I had him three years in a row for Social Studies! He helped me learn how to really write and think, and always encouraged me to follow my passions. He made my high school years so positive, and celebrated every educational and professional milestone I had thereafter. I have a collection of congratulatory notes from him that he sent me every time he found out about an accomplishment I had made. Following in his footsteps and becoming an educator was not an accident for me. As a superintendent of schools, his call to action and belief in the endless potential of children is what I try to emulate in my professional life every single day.
He was also there for me during a very difficult time when my mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was a sophomore. He knew that what I was dealing with was tough, and did everything he could to support me through that process.
He will never be forgotten by this very grateful student.
JoAnn Lancaster
February 23, 2017
Ann-Marie & Kathy:
Jack was the center of so many groups and lives. The ROMEOs won't be the same without his humor and wisdom! I will miss exchanging thoughts about the most recent best books! I will miss his stories about Stockbridge and Adams. But, most of all I will miss his graciousness,kindness and his smile.
May happy memories ease the loss of all in your family.
Evan White
February 22, 2017
I was in the 2002 graduating class of Monument Mountain. In 1998, during my freshman year, I was in Jack Spencer's social studies class.
A couple of months into that year, my father died of lymphoma. Mr. Spencer and his wife both came to the service, the only people I remember there who had never really known my dad. Mr. Spencer didn't say much to me that day beyond shaking my hand and expressing his condolences, but I was surprised at what an unexpectedly kind and heartfelt gesture it was for him to make an appearance.
A couple weeks later he told me his mother died when he was around my same age. We never talked at length about the grieving process, but it was powerful for me to know that someone else had gone through the same pain I was going through and emerged on the other side.
We shared a love of movies and I think in both cases it helped us get through our grief. I remember him telling me about the year in his adolescence he spent with a relative in New York City, riding the subway and seeing a movie every day.
We both believed in the power of movies as something beyond disposable entertainment.
I still remember most of the entries on his list of Top 5 Movies (The Apartment, The Seventh Seal, My Cousin Vinny) and his reaction to mine ("You sure love violence!") I've wondered over the years if his list would have changed as much as mine or stayed the same.
I've thought about Mr. Spencer a lot since I've left high school, and how much his small selfless acts made an impact in my life. I know I'm not the only one.
His big heart will be missed but never forgotten.
February 22, 2017
Dear Judy: I am so sorry about the loss of you brother...my thoughts are with you. And to Jack's daughters my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Mandy Victor-Pieczarka
ed oppermann
February 22, 2017
A wonderful teacher and a great human being. God bless you Mr. Spencer. You were a good influence on us and you will be missed. My sincere condolences to the Spencer family.
Ed Oppermann '73
Gregg Lane
February 22, 2017
Anne Marie and Kathy,
I am sad to hear this news. My last visit with your Dad was more than a year ago as he attended the celebration of Grandmother's 100th birthday. As always it was a great pleasure to sit a visit with him. I was not one of his students during my years at MMRHS but I benefited from his wisdom as he guided the Social Studies program. My fondest memories of your folks would come years later during my tenure on the coaching staff for the wrestling team. Both Jack and Judy were staunch supporters of our program.
It was always a pleasure to see them on the bench at the Elm Street market on weekends. Always a kind word and genuine interest in what I was up to.
As my family grew Jack and Judy thoroughly enjoyed watching children grow and took interest in their young lives. I enjoyed the questions that your dad would present to their young minds. He was a wonderful, wise and a kind man. A true gentleman. I feel fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing him. Be well.
Regards,
Gregg Lane
Donald Kruszyna
February 22, 2017
Spencer Family :
My Deepest Condolences for your loss.
A 1954 class mate.
He was a special guy.
Joni Vincent
February 22, 2017
Anne Marie, Kathy and families:
Wishing you all healing that touches both body and spirit ... Peace in those moments when you need it most ... And the strength to sustain you day by day .....
With a very heavy heart today for the loss of such a wonderful man my heartfelt prayers go out to you all. So much has been lost.....
Betty Prevey
February 22, 2017
I am so very sorry for you loss. Jack will definitely be missed at our reunion lunches. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Judy Moore
February 22, 2017
One of the best. Always a treat to meet and enjoyable to talk with. Many a pleasant time sitting with him at the Monument Christmas wrestling tournaments and other sports events. Greatly admired his quiet intelligence that told him to quit being an administrator and get back to his love, teaching. All best wishes and prayers to daughters Anne Marie and Kathy, and his sister, Judy.
Steve and Judy Moore
Fayetteville, Pa.
February 22, 2017
Jack was intelligent, wise, witty, caring and involved. Just perfect.
Karen Gralla
February 22, 2017
Spencer Family:Jack was respected and adored as a wonderful teacher, husband, family man, and community leader.He touched many lives, including mine, in a most special way; he believed in us.
Gail Warner Mattix, Charleston, South Carolina
Ray Gruszecki
February 22, 2017
Jack was a classmate and friend from Adams Memorial High School, class of 1954. He organized class reunions from 2004 onwards. I played golf the first time with Jack in Adams when we were both seventeen. I did not know him in his Stockbridge and educational years, but got reacquainted with him in recent years through our reunions and other joint friends. His accomplishments were many. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Bob & Susan Salzman
February 22, 2017
Dear Spencer Family,
We have lost the face and soul of Monument. Jack was a life force that touched so many in our communit. I enjoyed working with him for the 30 years I was at Berkshire Hills, and saw the impact he had upon both students and faculty
We are in Sarasota, FL and will be with you in spirit this Saturday.
May his memory bring you comfort and a knowledge that his life was one well-lived
Bernie Fallon
February 22, 2017
I love this line from the obituary, "Those who wish to remember Jack can perform a random act of kindness..."
Jack Spencer was a walking act of kindness. His smile, gentle spirit and genuine interest in YOU made him a treasure, and a pleasure to run into!
Jack built the self-esteem of people he encountered (from high school students to people on the street). A great value, from a great man.
You've heard this before, but if the world had more people like Jack Spencer, it would be a better place.
Well, because of Jack Spencer the world IS a much better place. His touch and positive influence reaches far and wide. You are missed Mr. Spencer. You are missed.
AND, at the same time, you will be remembered as an inspiration with each random act of kindness performed! My thoughts are with you, Ann Marie, Kathy and families.
Mickey McCartney
February 22, 2017
So many delightful conversations with Jack in the halls of Monument. He genuinely cared about students and colleagues. "Repose en paix", Jack, "Repose en paix".
Mike Reynolds
February 21, 2017
In my freshman year at MMRHS Mr. Spencer told us if we could determine the exact date of Herodotus' birthday we'd get an A in the course.
Throughout the year the class made several trips to scour the H.S. library to find Herodotus' real birthday. Little did we know we were being taught how to investigate history, look up material, examine resources, and learn how to use the library.
At the end of the year, Mr. Spencer declared Herodotus birthday, we had a party, and I received a wooden Indian head nickel to the Stockbridge Store.
I was fortunate enough to have this teacher for my Sophomore year when we were the first school in the nation to have a class about the Holocaust.
We remained friends even as adults and I had the sheer joy of running into him last year at a party. It was quite odd having a drink with your former H.S. teacher !!!
You don't forget teachers like this man. He made us enjoy learning and worked us hard. We didn't even know we were learningthat's what made it work for many of us.
I still have the wooden nickel on my nick-knack shelf.
I'm fortunate to have run into him last year.
I'll remember always and I'm sorry for you loss.
Mike Reynolds
Midge (Lowden) Kroll
February 21, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family of jack and Judy spencer. I was a student of Judy's when she first started teaching at Plain School. When I was a freshman and senior at Williams High, had Jack as history and government teacher. To I graduated in 66 and both my nephews knew jack when they attended MMH. They were both impressive teachers.
February 21, 2017
Anne Marie, Kathy and Families,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. I remember when Jack met Judy and they married. I was one of Judy's students and my husband was one of Jack's students. My daughter, Susan Bell was educated at MMRHS by Jack and he helped her to attend Union College in New York. He will be greatly missed but well remembered.
Larry and Cheryl Bell
February 21, 2017
There are few people in our lives who touch our lives in a way that we will never forget them, your dad was this person for me. He was a wonderful teacher, and mentor. He touched so many lives. God Bless you and your family.
Helen Forfa Arnold
February 21, 2017
To the family of Jack Spencer:
Your father was a kind, caring committed principal. What set him apart is the caring and compassion he demonstrated to his students outside the classroom. During my eighth grade my father was battling cancer. There were several times when I would either miss class or have to leave early for issues related to my dad. Mr. Spencer always took the time to ask me how Dad was. How was I? It meant a lot to me. Mr. Spencer was the first person to arrive at my dad's calling hours to pay his respects. I am forever touched and grateful for Mr. Spencer's presence that day. My sincerest condolences.
Melanie Dolson Wagner
February 21, 2017
As a member of the Williams High School class of '67, I was privileged to have Jack as a teacher for several classes during all my high school years. I loved that he had his students read paperbacks instead of text books and he gave the impression of knowing all his students personally. Jack Spencer influenced every student he taught. He will be missed by many. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
February 21, 2017
Ann Marie, Kathy and families,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Your dad was a very special man, both in the classroom and in our community. He touched so many lives and was so inspiring as an educator, and a citizen of the world. Thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace to you all.
Mary Bradbury
Sue & Clay Burke
February 21, 2017
It was our privilege and pleasure to know Jack (and Judy) during our years in Stockbridge. Jack's excellence in the classroom at MMRHS left a special personal positive impression on one of our daughters who was his student. Our thoughts and condolences are with all his family.
Theresa & Bill Wessman
February 21, 2017
Dear Ann Marie and Kathy and Families,
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Your Dad was such a wonderful man and did have the good sense to marry your Mom, Judy. They are missed by all of us. We send our love and condolences to each of you, Theresa (Hanley) & Bill Wessman
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