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Jeff Spencer Obituary

JEFFREY SPENCER Jeffrey Spencer died May 18, 2023, treated with extraordinary care by the nurses and technicians on floor 3 east, Thompson Heath, Canandaigua, N.Y., with long visits by family and friends as he passed the last days of his life. There was always a distant look in his eyes, as if he were seeking the far horizon of a yet unknown place. At times, he was seemingly wordless and yet when he was small, he was full of ideas and observations and so much more. The words seem to tumble out in a marvelous jumble, and we all used to listen in amazement. He was the fourth of five children born to George and Helen Spencer on October 21, 1955, growing up on Townline Road, Penn Yan. Always active, loving the outdoors, making fortresses, and creating exotic jungles indoors. Eager, willing, quiet waiting for the next big thing. He loved animals, dogs particularly, and the adventure of growing up in a small town, in the country and on beautiful Keuka Lake. The range of his interests was tempered by his environment and his inclinations. In many ways both confined him -- a source of solace and frustration. A particular enthusiasm was fishing and what can be more satisfying on a summer's day than casting in a trout stream and secretly hoping not to snag a hapless creature. Hiking and bird watching, imagining the life of the indigenous peoples living lightly on the bounty of the Finger Lakes, voracious reading on war and conflicts these were all parts of his character. He had a patient and admiring extended family. But nothing exceeded the joy and sorrow he had with his son Garrett, who tragically died May 2, 2023. His marriage to Valerie Black had ended but their relationship continued, enriched by experience and compassion. Hard work was embedded in his life as a mason and in that fashion, he leaves all kinds of structures, solid and durable. He had an abiding love of history and the monuments of great thinkers and shakers. Yet there was a strong streak of skepticism that made him question the status quo and for the most part, leave it behind. He was a quiet man, never speaking without a reason and then speaking with authority. Yes, there was a faraway look in his eye, and we will always wonder what he was seeing. His brother Craig was a constant boon companion and sisters Cheryl and Lynne ever loving. Lisa Spencer, Garrett's wife and children Frankie, Sammy and Dean are surviving kin along with cousins and friends forming an extended, caring family. Contributions in his memory may be given to the Friends of the Outlet, Inc., PO Box 65, Dresden, NY 14441, or the Humane Society of Yates County, 1216 NY-14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527. A remembrance gathering will be held sometime this coming summer in a place that he loved. We deeply mourn Jeff's passing yet are grateful for his life, ever a paradox and continuing source of wonder.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Chronicle-Express from May 23 to May 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Bob Tiballi

June 10, 2023

So sorry to hear Ty of an old lacrosse buddy. May God Bless Jeff Spencer´s soul.

Thomas Brady

June 9, 2023

I´m so sorry to learn of Jeff´s (and his sons) passing. I tended mason for him right out of high school and have many fond memories of him. Whoever wrote this obituary did a fantastic job of describing him to a "T".
I especially like the part about all the lasting structures he built over the years. I dropped a cement block on the back of his hand while building a foundation for a garage addition at the Ayer´s home on East Lake Road (Keuka) my first day on the job and thought he was going to come unglued. Yeah his head turned beet-red and veins popped but he just rolled with it and kept on working. Other jobs I help him with include rebuilding a small concrete steps and landing for one of the Supple girls (I believe) on East Main Street (got a good story about that one), the beautiful brick porch deck and steps for the Zegarelli´s near the Blue Eagle, a new chimney for the Marten´s family farm on Ridge Road, but most memorable was rebuilding the massive chimney´s at the Wagener Mansion at the top of Bluff Point from the attic floor - up with Ray and Terry Carlson. Four mammoth chimneys´ converged into two in the walk-in attic; we rebuild the southernmost ones. The home owners asked to reuse the existing bricks which had been signed by guest to the home over the years. What a tremendous undertaking that was and what a view from the top of those chimneys. Rest in Peace Jeff. It´s been years since I´ve seen you but I´ll never forget ya. My condolences to the family!

Roger Giovinazzo

June 8, 2023

That was incredibly moving.

Gayla DeWick Niles

May 27, 2023

So sorry to hear about Jeff and his son, Garrett. The Spencers are such a great family. Our family enjoyed living just through the woods from the Spencers. My sympathies to all of you.
Love,
Gayla

Aly Powers

May 25, 2023

My heartfelt condolences to Jeff's brother Craig, his sisters Lynne and Cheryl, his many cousins from both sides of the family, his mainstay Val, his daughter-in-law and grandchildren, his workmates and his friends. This world is a much sadder place with his passing. RIP Jeff.

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