Brian R. Spencer

Brian Spencer won his battle and gained his heavenly wings for a pain-free eternal life on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, after courageously enduring an earthly battle with colon cancer. Brian was born on September 10, 1969, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the late Dr. Richard Ralph Spencer and Mrs. Anita Jeanne Matthews Spencer, where his father was proudly stationed in the U.S. Army. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Brian would spend the remainder of his childhood and adult life. The firstborn of three siblings, Brian was a joyful and energetic child, drawn to physical activity and athletics from an early age. He found his calling on the football field as a little leaguer with the Penrose Panthers and later as a standout player at Overbrook High School (“Brook”). Brian also excelled in track and field while at Brook. Brian was proud to have been teammates with Jon Drummond, who would go on to become an Olympic gold sprinter. Brian’s spiritual journey began at age 13 when he accepted Christ and was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Moravian Church under the leadership of Rev. Claude Knight. As a youth, he actively participated in the church’s choir, Boy Scouts, and Vacation Bible School. His faith never wavered in adulthood, and he continued to serve faithfully at Redeemer as a Sunday School teacher, Trustee, and Leadership Board member. Brian was honored in 2019 as “Father of the Year.” Brian received his K–12 education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending Patterson Elementary School, Pepper Middle School, Wynnefield Academy, Ivy Leaf School, and graduated from Overbrook in 1987. He went on to attend Delaware State University (“DSU”), where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1991. While at DSU, Brian was a proud member of the Track and Field team, competing in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and long jump events. After some of his track meets, Brian would write down his competition stats from the meets on the back of his competition number, and mail them to his sister Dawn, who was away at college in Florida and unable to attend. Brian’s attendance at his HBCU alma mater left a lasting legacy. His younger sister Buffy later graduated from DSU, his father served as a professor, and this fall, his nephew will join the student body and football team, continuing the family’s deep connection to the university. Track & field remained a lifelong passion for Brian. He was a consultant for the track teams at Holy Name High School now, Berks Catholic High School and proudly served as a liaison to the Penn Relays for several years. Brian’s magnetic personality, sharp mind, and strong will were felt by all who knew him. He kept childhood and neighborhood friendships strong for over four decades. Brian and his friends Jonathan and Buffy could be found together at Dee’s house during the summer, and on the eves of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, reminiscing about their childhood fun, riding bikes around Tinicum and Yeadon to visit friends, and Brian’s first job at Lombard Swim Club. Brian would also share his history buff facts, Horror movies, and the latest tech updates. These moments grew into shared memories with his sons and godchildren, whom he loved deeply. Professionally, Brian built a successful career as a software developer, spending many years at Computer Science Corporation. In 2009, Brian’s professional interests grew to include a secondary career in real estate. He spent the last 12 years as a Realtor with ABLE Real Estate, Inc. Yet, among all his professional and athletic achievements, nothing brought him more pride than being a father. Brian was the devoted father of two sons, Matthew and Richard, from a previous marriage. He often said that being “Dad” was his greatest accomplishment. Brian delighted in his sons’ growth, took them to all of their sporting events, and cheered their sports and academic achievements. He worked to give them the same enriching experiences he had enjoyed in his youth, such as track, scouts, and adventurous rides through Tinicum Park. Even in his final moments, Brian waited for “the boys” to be at his side. before he peacefully transitioned. A testament to the depth of his love and devotion for his sons. Brian leaves to cherish his memory: sons, Matthew Omar Richard Spencer and Richard Emmanuel Nathaniel Spencer; mother, Anita Spencer; sisters, Dawn J. Spencer Addison (Thomas Addison II) and Shawla “Buffy” Clark (Maurice Clark Sr.); nephews, Thomas Addison III, Terrence Addison, Maurice Clark Jr., and Timothy Addison; niece, Tivoni Addison; goddaughters, Mikayla Armstrong and Gabriella Jones; godson, Andrew Jones; childhood best friend & brother, Jonathan Jones; DSU track teammate & lifelong friend, Chris Lea; “Brook” lifelong friend Shawna Smith, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Brian R. Spencer

September 10, 1969 - May 13, 2025