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Welcome to the memorial page for

Haryy E. Spencer

March 25, 2017


Harry was a native of Friendship, NY who served one year in the US Navy at the end of World War II.  Attending college under the GI Bill, Harry received his Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.  He and his wife Margaret (aka Peg) settled in Rochester, N.Y., where he worked at the Eastman Kodak Company and raised his family until 1985. Harry’s scientific research accomplishments included infrared technology for military missiles as well as multiple patents for silver halide photographic technology for commercial applications. Harry also worked as adjunct faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology.  After retiring from industry, Harry and Peg moved to Oberlin, OH, where Harry taught chemistry at Oberlin College.  Retiring again from teaching, Harry then embarked on a volunteer career as a passionate birdwatcher and an officer of the Northern Ohio Black River Audubon Society. Harry will remembered for his gentle nature, kindness, intellect, and intense curiosity about the world.

His family will miss Harry:  Surviving children include Scott A. Spencer (Lorraine), Marsha S. Bollinger (Mark), Colleen S. Lyston (Philip); and daughter-in-law, Virginia Spencer, widow of son Gary. Harry is also survived by grandchildren Brendan and Matthew Spencer; Curtis, Glenn, and Ryan Bollinger; Shaun and Keith Lyston; Gretchen L. Reed; Claire Spencer; and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by Margaret Edson Spencer (spouse of 62 years), Gary (son), Floyd Glenn and Carrie Iddings Spencer (parents), and James Spencer (brother).

No public memorial service is planned.   Donations in Harry’s honor can be made to
Friends of Magee Marsh
P.O. Box 92
Port Clinton, OH 43452


 Service Information

No services to be held


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