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Bernard Spence Obituary
He was born in New York City on January 11, 1927, the son of the late Bernard and Ruth (Straat) (Haldeman) Spence. He attended Brooklyn Poly Prep high school class of '45 and held two degrees from New York University and started his career at the Halsted School in Yonkers, NY.
He retired from the Scarsdale, NY school system where he taught, counseled and coached for twenty-nine years. Mr. Spence was a lifelong small boat enthusiast and was an active competitive sailor in the Comet, Dyer and Sunfish Classes. He was past Commodore of the Highland Lake Sailing club and enjoyed square and round dancing with the Buttons and Bows club in Orange. Other hobbies included woodworking, RV camping, and ocean cruising.
He served as an aviation machinist mate in the Navy during the latter part of World War II, based at the Charleston, R.I. naval air station working on the F-8 Bearcat and the 74U Corsair fighter.
He is survived by his sons, David and his wife, Lois, and Bernard and his fiancé, Martha Shook, of Boston MA; his grandchildren, David, Melanie, Zachary and Benjamin; and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Harold Haldeman and his sister, Dorothy Haldeman Keefe.
All services are private. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Spence
Sponsored by Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford.
5 Entries
Doreen
October 16, 2022
Dear Bernie and David.
Am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad.
Your parents were so nice to me, the years I knew and met with you at West point. I am so happy they had such a long and wonderful life together. Best regards to you and your families, Doreen Stock-Woodfall
from Pelham, NY, now in Cape Canaveral, FL.
Beverly Sniegowski, Admin
October 4, 2022
Our VCH, Veterans Coffee House meets monthly at the Wallingford and Cheshire Senior Center which not only gives our Vets the chance to socialize but also take part in enjoying a guest speaker which are related to military topics. We were founded in 2017 by Mark Halliday and Robert Boucher. Our Veterans are an exceptional group and our intention is to bring together to socialize, offer assistance and support. We can be contacted at the Wallingford Senior Center.
At this very difficult time, our group would like to honor the loss of Bernard Spence as a fallen brother. Our military Veterans send out their heartfelt condolences to the Spence family and friends. As an Navy Veteran, he had joined an elite group of honorable men and women and our Country will forever be in his debt.
Carol Duncan
September 4, 2022
Bernie was a wonderful, respectful, friendly man, and a great teacher. I remember him fondly. I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. May your memories of him comfort you always.
Kathryn Davitt
September 3, 2022
I am so sorry. I knew Bernie very well and got to know him at Ashlar Village. My deepest condolences to the family.
American Association
September 2, 2022
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
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