Donald A. Spencer

Worcester

Donald A. Spencer 84, of 52 Country Club Blvd., a professional musician and radio personality with WTAG, died Thursday, Sept. 30, in the UMASS Memorial Hospital Critical Care Unit, with his daughter and caring hospital staff at his side.

His beloved wife of 29 years, Virginia N. (Cantell) Spencer, died in 1979.

He leaves a daughter, Deborah V. Spencer-Lucivero, two grandchildren, Julia V. Lucivero and Anthony S. Lucivero all of Worcester and many nieces and nephews. His brother, Robert A. Spencer, predeceased him.

Mr. Spencer was born in Winnipeg, Canada, the son of Emily (Anthony) Spencer and Reginald Spencer and was a graduate of North High School. He was a member of the Worcester Musicians' Assoc., Local %23143, American Federation of Musicians serving on its Executive Board for many years. Trained as a percussionist, Mr. Spencer played with the San Antonio Symphony and the Detroit Symphony Orchestras. After settling in Worcester, he was a member of the Worcester Orchestra under the direction of Harry Levenson, the Massachusetts Central Symphony Orchestra, and accompanied artists including Lucianno Pavarotti. He also served as a musical director for the Worcester County Light Opera Club.

For 25 years, Mr. Spencer was a radio engineer and announcer for WTAG making his classical music program, "Concert Hall with Don Spencer" popular in the Worcester area.

Mr. Spencer served his country with honest and faithful service as an Army Veteran of WWII with the 75th Band Infantry Division, battles in the Rhineland, the Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal, and an American Theater Campaign Ribbon.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. in FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 1 West Boylston, West Boylston. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Performing Arts School of Worcester, 29 High St. Worcester, 01608.(faybrothers.com)