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WARREN -- Steve A. Spencer, 87, of Warren, passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at Trumbull Regional Medical Center in Warren.
Steve was born in Niles, on Dec. 2, 1935, to loving parents, Steve and Elizabeth Cutright Spencer (Spetsios).
He was a 1953 graduate of Niles McKinley High School. Upon graduation, Steve proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he attended cryptography school and obtained top security clearances. After completing training, he was stationed at the headquarters of the Army Security Agency in Tokyo, where he spent years intercepting foreign communications, breaking down codes from other countries to send important intelligence to the U.S. National Security Agency.
During his time overseas, he learned to speak several languages, became an expert ping-pong player, and was a member of an outstanding fast pitch softball team that included an All-World pitcher. Steve later returned to the states to become a cryptography instructor with the Army at Fort Devens, until his honorable discharge in 1957. Steve used his discipline and skills learned from his time with the Army to launch a successful business and banking career, later attending Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin, earning degrees in administration, business, management and finance. He worked in the banking and financial industries before heading to Houston, where he was a CEO of several banks and financial service companies for over 35 years, working with Arthur Anderson, KPMG and Marsh & McClennan, among others. Steve also served as a director to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Houston, The Houstonian-Network Club, and March of Dimes Houston.
Steve was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles; volunteered at SCORE to share his vast knowledge with small business owners; and could often be found as the best-dressed man on the green, as an avid golfer.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, who welcomed him to heaven for eternal peace.
He will be deeply missed by three sons, Jerry (Dawn) Spencer of Tallmadge, Michael (Lyndsey) Spencer of Alpharetta, Georgia and Phillip Spencer of Houston, Texas; three daughters, Deborah (Adolph) Person of Hemet, California, Kelli Penn of Akron and Marci (Stephen) Driver of Katy, Texas; a sister, Eva Mays of Warren; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a nephew, Dan Heath Jr. of Warren; and countless cousins, close friends and other loved ones.
Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles, with the Rev. Steven Agostino officiating, preceded by an 11 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery, where Steve will be honored for his military service by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.
Arrangements are being handled by the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Steve's family.
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