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John K. Spencer

1948 - 2020

John K. Spencer obituary, 1948-2020, Ipswich, MA

John Spencer Obituary

John K. Spencer passed away peacefully on December 21, 2020 at Brigham And Womens Hospital due to complications from cancer. He was born on March 19, 1948 in Winchester, Massachusetts, the son of Patricia and Kendall Spencer. He graduated with a Bachelors degree in Architecture from Princeton University in 1970 and later attended American University and Harvard University for Graduate degrees. John married his wife Judy in 1990 and together they raised their two children, Alan and Erin. He is also survived by his sister Jane Sears and her children. John spent many summers in Conomo Point growing up and later returned to Cape Ann for 30+ years. An avid boater, John enjoyed spending time by the water surrounded by family and loved ones. He was also a Topsfield resident for 20 years and was a passionate supporter of the town and its people. He served as President and Board Member of ABC Masconomet, was a dedicated member of the Masconomet Regional School Committee for several years, and most recently was Chairman of the Select Board of Topsfield. He touched countless lives over the years. For those who wish to remember John in a special way, the family welcomes donations to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation in his memory. Due to the timing, a celebration of Johns life will be scheduled in Topsfield at a later date. In the meantime, please send any stories or fond memories of John to [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chronicle & Transcript from Dec. 30, 2020 to Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Spencer

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4 Entries

Harris Ghersin

December 24, 2022

I´ll always cherish the memory of the poem you shared with our class entitled: Return to Ithaca.
It truly expressed your sensitive side in a manner that touched all of us. Thinking of you often and especially around the Christmas Holiday. Harris

Harris Ghersin

August 7, 2022

I most recently found out about John from our colleague John McCall, we all attended the American University Masters Program together almost 30 years ago.. John Spencer was my roommate throughout this two year Masters program. He was first and primarily my friend and a true friend indeed. I have so many memories and stories to share and I only hope someday I can do this at a celebration of John's life... Please keep me aware of any future plans... I would of course love to attend and share my wonderful memories with his family and close friends, he was in my mind the most fascinating person and simply a great human being.

I will miss you John. We had so many great times together and shared so much learning as well. You were in so many ways my Hero... you will always be, forever in my heart and in my soul. Your friend and roommate,
Harris

Rick Gilbert

August 21, 2021

Judy, Alan and Erin,
I am so sorry to hear of John´s passing!
He taught me many lessons and I have such fond memories back to about 1981 when we moved to Rockport.
My deepest condolences,
Rick Gilbert

Paula Burke

January 4, 2021

John spent his entire time in Topsfield volunteering to make it a better place. In this photo, John and his colleague on the Select Board, Lynne Bermudez, were taking advantage of the 2018 Holiday on the Green celebration to ask local business owners how the town could better advocate on their behalf. John's legacy in Topsfield is far-reaching and long-lasting.

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