Obituary of Francis G. Spence
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Francis “Gerry” Spence of Chesterfield, NJ passed away on September 1, 2025 at Serenity Hospice in Hamilton, NJ. Gerry was born in Trenton, NJ to Francis and Veronica Spence on May 22, 1946. He graduated in 1964 from Northern Burlington Regional High School. He earned two degrees in Industrial Arts from Trenton State College; his Bachelor’s degree in 1968, followed by a Master’s in 1971. He also earned a Master’s degree from Rider University in School Administration and Supervision in 1980. Gerry taught for 39 years at Northern Burlington including wood and metal shops, electrical and auto mechanics. He served for many years as student government advisor. He was the set director for the school’s drama and musical productions. He enjoyed skiing, fly fishing and riding his motorcycle and snowmobile.
Gerry was District Deputy Grand Master of the 19th District - Grand Lodge of New Jersey from 1997 to 2000. At the time of his death, he was a member of the school board at Northern representing Chesterfield Township. He had also served on the Zoning & Planning Board for Chesterfield Township and was a member of the Chesterfield Fire Company where he was a past Fire Commissioner.
Gerry was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Veronica Spence and his sister, Patricia O’Connor. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah and his granddaughter, Amelia Mae of Mebane, NC and his sister, Regina.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9 to 11 am for visitation at St. Isidore the Farmer Parish/Church of the Assumption, 28 Monmouth Road (Route 537), Wrightstown, NJ with a funeral Mass following the visitation. Burial will follow at Church of the Assumption cemetery at 76 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Chesterfield Township Fire Department, 296 Bordentown-Chesterfield Road, Chesterfield, NJ 08515.