Joseph Aloysius Spencer, age 87, of Birdsboro, Pennsylvania was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on the evening of April 17, 2021 at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Joseph, affectionately known as “Jody” was born December 11, 1933 in Reading, PA. He was the son of the late, Lester P. Spencer and Elizabeth M. (Hickernell). Jody attended Central Catholic High School and graduated with the class of 1951, as the first African American student.
Jody was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church of Reading, Pennsylvania. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force from March 12, 1953 and retired as a Technical Sergeant on April 1,1973 from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. He was assigned to Kessler AFB, Mississippi for training and Clark AFB, Philippines for his first assignment. The Department of The Air Force presented him with the Air Force Commendation Medal. Jody was a member of Victor Lodge No. 73, PHA; a Legionnaire of George Washington Carver Post No. 962 (Vietnam Veteran) and a member of Berks Lodge No. 47 I.B.P.O.E. of W. He was also a member of the Torii Sportmen’s Club and Turtle Club. Jody retired from AT&T and was last employed by the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading (formerly PAL).
Jody was an avid athlete, who was involved in playing and officiating sports such as, golfing, baseball, basketball, football and track & field. Jody was a devoted and die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He was a member of the Catholic Interracial Center of Reading Basketball team. Jody participated with fundraising and was always willing to help out where needed until the time of his illness.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Florentina F. Spencer and son, Leslie W. Spencer, four brothers, Benjamin L. Spencer, Edward L. Spencer, Frederick G. Spencer and Lester L. Spencer, two sisters, Joyce E. Boykins and Mary E. Spencer. A sister-in-law, Hideko Spencer and brother-in-law, McCrae Boykins, Sr.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carlita T. Spencer of Birdsboro, PA; one son, Joseph T. Spencer, husband of Helen, Chula Vista, CA; one daughter, Lorena E. Spencer, Birdsboro, PA; two sisters, Louise E. Williams, Pottstown, PA and Shirley M. White, Reading, PA. eight grandchildren, Amor Spencer, Monica Spencer, Patrice Boswell, Janelle Spencer, Kellan Spencer, Jarred Spencer, Liezel Spencer and Kira Boswell. Two great-grandchildren, Ezekiel Spencer and Journey Dunn.
He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Joseph was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Jody was a man after God’s own heart, who loved people and his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Tuesday April 27, 2021 at 9:30am in St. Peter's R.C.C., 322 S. 5th St., Reading. Entombment to follow in Gethsemane Cemetery. Viewings will be Monday April 26, 2021, 5-8pm and Tuesday April 27, 2021 7:30-8:30am in Theo C Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading. www.theocauman.com
