Raymond Spencer

Raymond Desales Spencer, of Somerville, MA, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at the age of 81.

Ray, affectionately known to many as Spence, was born in Chelsea, MA and grew up in Medford. He was the son of a sergeant in the Marine Corp who proudly served his country in the Pacific Theater of World War II. During his childhood, he enjoyed sports, played the saxophone, and attended parochial school where he earned high marks and learned beautiful penmanship. He spent time with his loving parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College in 1965 and later obtained a master's degree in education from Boston State College. He dedicated his career to education. He taught biology for decades at Somerville High School, where he was a popular teacher and was a very well-liked colleague. Later in his career, he taught at Bunker Hill Community College and served as an advisor for education students at Boston University. His career achievements also included co-authoring a biology textbook.

He enjoyed traveling. He often visited Cape Cod where he enjoyed going on walks in the Orleans area. He especially loved Nauset Beach and Liam's Clam Shack. His travels also took him to New Orleans, Charleston, Newport, and historic Civil War battlefields.

Throughout his life, he challenged himself with intellectual, athletic, and recreational activities. He enjoyed scuba diving off the north shore of Massachusetts. He was an avid tennis player, spending warm summer days at the Winchester Clay Courts playing both singles and doubles. He was an enthusiastic fan of Roger Federer, as well as a lifelong Boston College Eagles fan. As an amateur photographer with a good eye, he enjoyed experimenting with various subjects and capturing beauty in everyday life. His interests and desire for new experiences led him to become a shooting instructor at Mystic Valley Gun Club, where he also served as Treasurer. He cared about his community and served as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Middlesex County.

He was a collector. From beautiful stamps to clocks, watches and fine pens, Ray enjoyed things of beauty and excellent craftmanship.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Judith de la Paz-Spencer, and his children, Nancy Spencer Tramontana, Victoria de la Paz, Shannon de la Paz, and Sean de la Paz. He was a proud and loving Papa to Julie Tramontana and Joshua Picard-de la Paz.

Ray was a mentor and father figure and an advocate for those who needed a voice. According to Tom Doherty, one of his former students and mentees, "One of Spence's superpowers was being interested and being interesting. He was a wonderful, caring, humorous, witty human who brought the best out of others." He touched the lives of so many, both the young and impressionable, and those who just needed a friend. He will be missed by his family, friends, former students, and everyone who knew him.