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David Spence Obituary
David Winsor Spence, 79, of Lansford, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, Sept. 25, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Roberta E. (Herbacek) Spence. They were married for 61 years.
He was an electrician for over 25 years for the former Stroh's Brewery, Upper Macungie Township, before retiring.
Born in Coaldale on Oct. 26, 1937, he was a son of the late Ernest Leapold and June (Williams) Spence.
A 1955 graduate of the former Lansford High School, he served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years as a submariner sonar specialist, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
He was of the Protestant faith.
David was a member of Navy Club, Nesquehoning, Pocono Base USS VI and American Legion Post 170, Coaldale.
He coached CYO basketball for the former St. Ann's School, Lansford, and track and field at Panther Valley High School, and was the equipment manager for the Panthers' football team for many years.
The deceased was an avid Eagles and Penn State football fan.
He was also preceded in death by his son Ernest.
Surviving in addition to his widow are five daughters, Renae wife of James Rickert of Lansford, Lynda Carlson, and her companion, Donald Easterly, of Andreas, Beverly Morieko of Chambersburg, Karen wife of Paul Macenka of Coaldale, and Kathy, wife of James Gieniec of Summit Hill; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Precious.
Service: Graveside service for with military honors noon Friday, Sept. 29, Grand Army Cemetery, Summit Hill, with the Rev. Marjorie H. Keiter officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the cemetery beginning at 11 a.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to PA Wounded Warriors, 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, Pa 17112. Arrangements by Shawn E. Clark Funeral Home, 200 E. Bertsch St., Lansford. To extend online condolences or for more information, visit www.shawnclarkfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Spence
Sponsored by Shawn E. Clark Funeral Home.
Brotherhood of the Dolphin
Nick Nichols
October 12, 2017
To the Spence Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on David's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and our shipmate. The SUBVETS will have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and David, who earned his 'fish' when he qualified on USS TIRANTE SS-420, will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot.
STSCS(SS)/COB David W. Spence
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, MTCM(SS) USN Ret.
Base Chaplain
Richard McCann
October 3, 2017
Our Prayers and thoughts are with David's loved ones left behind. May your loving memories be your crutch to see you through your grief. Rest your oars shipmate, eternal shore leave has been granted.
A fellow crewmember of the USS Bergall SSN 667 (75-77)
Rick (Muk) and Peggy McCann
Glenn Hanson
September 29, 2017
Dave was a shipmate of mine on the USS Bergall SSN 667. A warm and funny guy ! A person you could always depend on! We were both Plankowners!
Glenn Hanson EMCM(SS) USN Ret.
Donna (Guth) Zellin Szakacs
September 28, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Spence family. Rest in peace Mr. Spence
Mike Suzadail
September 28, 2017
Dave, may your soul sail on forever with God as your Captain.
Lori Turner
September 27, 2017
Spence family your in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a terrific Father and Hubby!
Kathy Gieniec
September 27, 2017
Anchors aweigh Dad, anchors aweigh.
September 26, 2017
I can't believe Slasher, one of my best friends in high school, is gone. My favorite memory is going to his house after school, watching American Bandstand before Dick Clark took over, and Slasher trying to teach me how to "jitterbug."
Today, I am very sad.
Stan Ogozalek
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