Spencer Harvey Virta

Born in Berlin, Vermont, he lived in Plainfield, VT and on Cape Cod, MA in his early childhood, and then moved to Brookline, MA. He graduated from Brookline High School in 1990, and went on to attend Boston College. In his freshman year at BC, he met Julie Wolf and began a friendship that would grow into the love that would endure for 33 years. After college he followed her back to her home in Pennsylvania, living in Skippack and West Chester.

A few years later, he joined Vanguard, where he would work for 26 years, managing teams in their institutional and international businesses. Most recently he was a Senior Relationship Manager in their Financial Advisor Services division overseeing several key relationships, which attests to his approachable nature and his deep operational expertise. Some of his closest friendships were cultivated there.

Spencer had a passion for politics from childhood, joining his student government in high school and avidly following current events throughout his life. As a parent, he united his commitment to community involvement with his dedication to his children’s education, ardently advocating for local students and schools. Colleagues could always count on Spencer for a lively debate, as he had a gifted power of persuasion.

Spencer loved the shore, and in Avalon, NJ, found the perfect spot to share that love with his family. Many happy days were spent there, enjoying leisurely walks along the beach and boating through its scenic bay. He was a collector and connoisseur of wine - particularly a good Pinot Noir - and travelled through the Willamette Valley many times, savoring together the wine and its picturesque vineyards.

But it was to his family and friends that he always brought his best. A born host and a fantastic cook, he reveled in the connections that can emerge over laughter, good music and great food. On Christmas morning, after wrapping presents into the wee hours, and knowing that pattering footsteps would soon be running towards the gift-filled tree, he would be found in the kitchen hand-grating nutmeg for the morning’s French Toast casserole. Because in filling his children’s lives with joy and magic, no effort would be spared. His warmth, witty sense of humor, and infectious laugh can have no replacement. But they live on in his children, Cooper and Emme, who were the lights of his life.

His memory will be forever cherished by his wife, Julie; his children, Cooper and Emerson; his mother, Juliette Montague; his father, Oliver Virta; his stepmother, Beth McAleer; his siblings Jessica Joslin (Jared), Heather Vatury (Tomer), Derek Virta (Margeaux), William Montague (Jessica), Tara Anyaosah (Josh), and Sarah Montague; his cousins; nieces and nephews; and so many beloved friends.

The family will be inviting friends for a celebration of Spencer’s life in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Penn Pancreatic Cancer Research Center.