Thomas Joseph Spencer, age 80, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, with his family. Tom was born on March 9, 1945, to Joseph and Verna (Knutson) Spencer in St. Paul, MN. On June 7, 1969, he married his love Luciann E. (McGrane) Spencer in West Point, NY.
Tom served proudly in the United States Army for 17 years, graduating from the United States Military Academy in West Point and serving in the Special Forces. He subsequently served in the United States Navy for another 14 years as a Seabee, achieving the rank of Commander. His military career took him to various parts of the world including tours in Europe, Southwest Asia, and Southeast Asia. His commitment to his country was unwavering and inspired both a daughter and son to follow his footsteps in the United States Army.
Tom was a civil engineer and had a lifelong appreciation for all things mechanical and how things were made. He was an amateur photographer and enjoyed baking. He took joy in singing and was a member of the West Point Alumni Glee Club as well as the National Men’s Choir.
He is survived by his children: Chrystiann Kanich, Thomas Spencer, Andrea Spencer, Luciana Spencer, and Stephen Spencer; his siblings: Diana Nolte, Peggy Charczuk, Ginger Spencer, and Michael Spencer; his grandchildren: Michael Kelleher, TJ Spencer, Ryan Spencer, and Azul Arnedo Spencer; and his great-granddaughter, Ellie Kelleher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Luciann Spencer.
A viewing will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO. Military Honors will be rendered during interment at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 9, at the Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver. A reception will follow from 12:30-3:30 PM in the Cascade Ballroom of The Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St. Colorado Springs, CO.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name may be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund [www.curealz.org].
Steve Young
6 Apr 2025The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for CDR Spencer’s 31 years of distinguished service to our country in the Army and Navy. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO