Vincent Spooner

Vincent Spooner, lovingly known as Butch to family or Vince to friends, was born on February 3, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, to Vivian and the late Vincent H. Spooner. The youngest of two children, Butch grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and music. He graduated from the New York City school system and soon after began a life of adventure and discovery-relocating to Washington, D.C., Maryland, and eventually settling in New Jersey.
He was the proud father of Tiffany and Sean, and the beloved "B-Pop" to Elijah, Gianna, and Prince. Butch also held a deep faith and was a member of the Presbyterian Church of St. Albans in Queens, NY.
Vince was a man of many passions, but nothing lit him up quite like being in the skies. He found his calling in the airline industry, beginning with Tower Airlines and later continuing a long, celebrated career with American Airlines. Flying wasn't just a job-it was a way of life. Vince loved people, and people loved him right back. He had an easy smile, a smooth charm, and a way of making every passenger feel like a VIP. His coworkers affectionately called him "The Mayor" of American Airlines-and for good reason. He made every terminal feel like home.
Travel took him around the world, but his heart always belonged to the Caribbean-especially St. Martin, St. Thomas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and of course, Barbados, where his family roots ran deep. Whether he was relaxing on a beach or diving into the ocean as a certified deep-sea diver, Vince embraced every moment of the journey. Along the way, he picked up languages, made lifelong friends, and created memories in every corner of the globe.
Off the runway, Vince wore many hats. He started in telemarketing, sold exclusive menswear, and even sang in the R&B group The Jones, best known for their hit "Sugar Pie Guy." He bowled in family leagues, proudly cheered for his Dallas Cowboys, and couldn't resist a good card game or a fun get-together. He also achieved something truly meaningful to him-becoming a 32nd Degree Shriner, the highest rank in his Masonic journey as a member of the International Masons, Messiah Temple #117.
Food was another one of his joys-especially oxtails, pig's feet, and seafood, with lobster and clams from Coney Island topping the list. He also had a soft spot for his loyal Black Lab, Diamond. And perhaps one of his most exciting stories? Being selected as a contestant on The Price Is Right, a show he never missed.
In June 2010, during a girls' trip to Miami, fate stepped in. Vince met Denise-the love of his life. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Whether they were flying out of state just for lunch, taking romantic trips, or cruising with family, Vince and Denise lived life fully and joyfully. On June 25, 2016, they said "I do" and began their next chapter in North Plainfield, NJ.
Through their union, Vince gained three bonus children-Yolanda, Aaron, and Terrence-and five beautiful grandchildren: DeAndre, D'Nashia, Carizma, Demetrius, and Demarcus. Together, they created a home filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Even during his illness, Vince remained the heart of every gathering.
On May 1, 2025, after a brave battle with Parkinson's Disease, Vince took his final flight home. He was surrounded by love ones and left this world with the same grace, and strength he had always shown.
He is predeceased in death by his father, Vincent H. Spooner; his sister, Linda Bush; his in-laws John and Shirley Vines; and brother-in-law James "Pete" Anderson.
Butch is survived by his devoted wife, Denise Spooner; his loving mother, Vivian Spooner; his children, Tiffany and Sean Spooner; his bonus children, Yolanda Frazier, Aaron, and Terrence Doctor; his sister, Valerie Anderson; sisters-in-law Karen Muldrow, Joann Solomon, and Linda Haddock; brothers-in-law John Vines and Jodie Frazier ; his adored grandchildren Elijah, Gianna, Prince, DeAndre, D'Nashia, Carizma, Demetrius, and Demarcus; and his special caregiver, Ashley Barksdale.
He also leaves behind a host of extended family, friends, and former colleagues who will forever remember the warmth of his smile, the sound of his laugh, and the legacy of love he shared.