David J. Spencer 1946-2026

He was born in Youngstown on April 28, 1946, to the late Charles and Gladys Barry Spencer.

David was a 1964 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Okinawa and was part of the 51st Combat Support Group.

Upon his honorable discharge, he worked in finance and hospitality roles until he became a postal carrier for the US Postal Service in Poland, until his retirement.

David had a gift for making people feel like they mattered. Whether he was talking about Cleveland Indians baseball (or any sport for that matter), catching up with friends or striking up conversations with complete strangers, people were naturally drawn to him. He carried a warmth and humor that could light up a room, and even in difficult moments, he was still making people laugh. Quick-witted, sharp as ever and endlessly funny, he had a way of turning ordinary moments into memories people would hold onto for years.

To his family, though, he was so much more – he was the steady, caring presence who always took care of everyone else before himself. His girls will forever remember bedtime stories that somehow never sounded the same twice because he loved ad-libbing along the way or acting out his “Sister Carmelita” character. He was a proud and devoted “girl dad” in every sense of the phrase.

Being “Papa” brought him a special kind of happiness. Some of his most cherished moments included sitting in his chair with his grandson Hudson watching Scooby-Doo cartoons. He also shared a deeply meaningful bond with his son-in-law, Zac, loving him not just as family, but as a son in his own right.

He found joy in life’s little routines and comforts – reading the newspaper daily, tinkering on his iPad, enjoying some Dunkin’ coffee, and spending time with the people (and animals) he loved most. He was simply wonderful to be around and was the kind of person whose absence will be deeply felt by everyone lucky enough to know and love him.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 55 years, whom he married April 30, 1971, the former Linda Smyers; his daughters, Jennifer (Zac) Howell and Elizabeth Spencer; his only grandson, Hudson Howell; sisters, Anne (Jay) Bocci, Mary Race, Dorothy Graham and Joanne Kelly; brother, John Spencer; and his canine companions, Winnie and Daisy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine Spencer; sister, Margaret Conroy; brothers, Charles, Paul and James Spencer; and his faithful dog, Lili.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Elizabeth Boardman and the ICU team at St. Elizabeth Youngstown hospitals for their kindness, compassion and support during David’s final days. Their help means more than they will ever know.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or stjude.org/donate; the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or cancer.org/donate; or to the charity of your choice in David’s memory.

Friends and family will be received 10 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman, followed immediately by a memorial celebration of his life beginning at noon.

Visit www.beckerfuneralhomes.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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