Vincent D. Spivey Sr.

In lieu of flowers and planting trees send gifts/donations to :
Mrs. Margaret E. Spivey
Vincent Darryl Spivey affectionately known as Vince or Spivey was born February 26, 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the (late) Wallace Spivey Sr. and (late) Mary Esther Lewis-Spivey. Vince was one of six children. Wallace and Mary welcomed Linda, Vincent and Barry. After the loss of his father, his mother met Ernest Scott Sr. and welcomed Ernie Jr, Kim, and Tanya. Ernest Sr. was more than a step dad, he was the Man that stepped up. Together they lovingly raised their 6 children in West Philadelphia.
Vincent received his formal education in the District of Philadelphia. In 1974 he was proud to be in the very first graduating class of the newly constructed University City High School. He worked a series of jobs as a teenager. Vincent had an affinity for fish (the sea world) and animals which developed into a business. This led him to spawn various types of fish, design aquariums and market them to stores as well as train dogs. To know Vincent was to love him. His energetic personality and smile would light up any room. Vincent's many hobbies were not limited to aquariums and animals but he was gifted with the ability to assemble complicated household projects and he was a mastermind with cars. If it was broken he could certainly diagnose it, fix it, or build it.
Vincent grew up on Cedar Avenue in West Philly. His baby brother Ernie, fondly remembers wanting to pattern after him when he and a group of friends formed a local band called "Enchanted Forest." Vincent was the lead singer. The group of musicians performed at Black Oak Park, Cobbs Creek Park and local venues around the city.
After high school Vincent joined the workforce. He worked as a Longshoreman at the Philadelphia Port Authority and Balford Farms Dairy. In 1981, the trajectory of Vincent's life changed when he met his wife Lisa. The pair met downtown Philadelphia at a popular R&B/Jazz venue named Whispers. Vince, two of his friends and his cousin had just left a wedding but the night was still young. Lisa's love for dancing and good music prompted her to suggest an evening out to cheer up her best friend after a break up. Vincent and Lisa met, danced the night away and the rest was history. Vincent would later ask Lisa's father for her hand in marriage in 1983. They welcomed Vincent Jr., Amber, Evan, and Destiny and recently celebrated 40 years of love. Vince and Lisa shared an unparalleled love for music that brought the couple many laughs and great memories. As a devoted father, Vincent was a great provider with an unmatched work ethic, always coming to the rescue for his children wherever they were. He was most proud of his family and happy to be a husband, dad and a grandfather. Vincent loved jazz music, he and Lisa would often attend jazz festivals or you would find them grooving to tunes while cleaning the house.
As a resident of Sicklerville, NJ Vincent and his family attended St. Matthews Baptist Church, with Pastor Raymond Gordon in Williamstown, NJ. Vincent and Lisa were selected to serve as deacons but they had plans to move to Delaware with their growing family. Vincent served in the Audio/Visual Ministry for many years at Alpha Baptist Church, with Pastor Darrell V. Freeman in Belvedere, DE.
Vincent's dynamic presence and seven feet tall personality made him unforgettable. He was known and loved as the Ice Cream Man by friends and family. He worked for Jack and Jill Ice Cream Co. since 1981 and was promoted to District Manager. He would then leave in 2003 and begin his new career in 2004 with the Ikea Distribution Center in Perryville, Maryland until his final rest. He was a Certified Crane Operator and a fierce Union Representative over the years.
Vincent's lifelong friendships are lovingly indescribable from Cedar Ave. to MD and DE. He was a Philadelphia Eagle Fanatic. He would carry an Eagle jersey to work for his Washington or Raven fans/co-workers to wear when the Eagles won and return to the barbershop after his cut just to harass his friends when his Eagles won. On game day or night you would find Vincent in York Farms watching the game.
"What A Man, What A Man"
On February 4, 2024, Sunday at 10:34pm our Heavenly Father called Vincent to his final resting place. Fond memories will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife Margaret Earlisa, his loving children Vincent Darryl Jr., Margaret Amber, Evan Walter and Destiny Earlisa, one granddaughter Shaniyah Tacoya Marie, his childhood friend, medical expert and constant support Rosalyn Young, Cousin Ernie, T.R., Drew, Jerome, Brendan, Ernie Sr., big sis Linda, little brother Barry, baby brother Ernie, little sis Kim and baby sis Tanya, only Brother in love Walter (wife-Mary) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Lovingly Submitted,
The Family