Obituary: Spencer Morse
December 23, 1934 – December 16, 2023
December 22, 2023
Spencer Morse, 1934-2023. Courtesy photo
In loving memory of Spencer Morse, a lifetime resident of Waterbury, born on December 23, 1934, who peacefully departed from this world from natural causes on December 16, 2023. Spencer's life, a rich tapestry of passions and accomplishments, showcased a remarkable individual who left an incredible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.
Spencer was a 1953 Waterbury High School graduate, proud to have been a Waterbury Longhorn. He was a top athlete in his younger years. This not only led him to coach many a young man in Waterbury through their baseball years, but to him earning a call from the major leagues to come down and try out at spring training as a pitcher. His love for baseball led him to be a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.
Spencer had a sense of community. He was a longtime member of the Waterbury Fire Department where not only did he fight fires, but he founded the Waterbury Rescue Squad where they also did water rescues. Spencer became an EMT and a first aid instructor.
Spencer was a union electrician, something he was very proud of. He dedicated over 65 years to IBEW Local #300. He contributed to projects that included the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant and was an active worker on and during the 1978 Willow Island disaster in West Virginia where he helped to rescue many of his friends.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Spencer wore many hats – he was a distinguished photographer for the Vermont State Police and contributed his talents in photography to local newspapers. He was a talented beekeeper, avid trapper, and hunter of both deer and rabbit. He earned his pilot’s license and flew his 4-seater through the skies with a passion for flight. Spencer was one of the founders of the Starduster CB club that led to helping many people in distress long before cell phones.
Spencer had a passion for collecting antiquities and sports memorabilia. He collected things such as signed baseball cards and first edition books to Wallace Nutting paintings and lanterns. Spencer’s appreciation for history and craftsmanship was evident in every cherished piece.
Spencer had a compassionate spiritual side that dates back to him teaching Sunday school at the Congregational Church to rescuing dogs in Georgia to becoming Hospice Volunteer of the year for Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, something he was quite proud of.
Honoring Spencer Morse's memory means celebrating the vibrant, adventurous person he was – life well-lived, leaving an enduring legacy of dedication, and community impact.
Spencer is survived by his children: Matt Morse and his wife Julie, Laura Morse, and Melanie White (Morse) and her husband Mike, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spencer was predeceased by two wives, Janice Ann and Monna Jean. May he rest in peace and be reunited with his parents Stanley and Ethelyn (Merrill) Morse, brother Skipper, and sister Sis.
A celebration of Spencer’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. at the Waterbury Congregational Church. The burial will be in the spring in Hope Cemetery in Waterbury.
For those who wish, memorial gifts can be made in Spencer's name to the Waterbury Firefighters Association, 28 North Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676 or Waterbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 95, Waterbury, VT 05676 or online at waterburyambulance.org.
To send online condolences please visit perkinsparker.com.