10/14/10 - Walter L. Spencer

Walter Spencer, 91, passed away following a short illness. Walter was the oldest of the three brothers who founded Spencer Speedway in 1955. Last March 4, Merle Spencer, the youngest brother, passed away at age 80. It was only seven months between the passing of Merle and Walter. Delbert Spencer remains as the sole surviving founder.

The Spencer family remained at the helm of this speedway until 1994, when they apparently sold the speedway. The family abruptly returned as the management of the track when the proposed purchase fell apart. It was not until 2007 when the track was finally sold to the current owner, John White.

“This is a great lost to auto racing as well as to his family,” stated John White, the promoter at Spencer Speedway. “I understand that Walt was an extremely active member of the management team that ran this track for some 30 years.”

In fact Walter’s job at the speedway included keeping all of the books and making payouts to the drivers.

Walter is survived by his wife, Betty J. Spencer; brother, Delbert (Evelyn); 2 sisters, Marvel (Larry) Morrow and Catherine Zornow; sisters-in-law, Ella Spencer, Mary Slaucenburg and Marge (Steven) Schellenger; brothers-in-law, John Grimm, Robert Martin and Donald (Linda) Martin; many nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

Donations can be made in Walter’s name to the local Alzheimer Association Rochester, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620

Gary M. Spaid

The Spencer family quietly were important to racing in Upstate New York. Rest In Peace, Walter.