Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer, Rockton, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Richard lived the last two years of his life at The Grand Victorian, Rockford, IL. Richard was born in Warren, Pennsylvania on May 10, 1929 to Charles and Mabel (Mead) Spencer.

Richard was a graduate of Youngsville High School in 1947, attended the University of Pittsburgh, served in the Army Medical Corp stationed in Frankfort, Germany and upon his honorable discharge, graduated from Penn State University in 1955.

Richard loved the beauty of the outdoors and anything that bloomed. He created numerous landscapes over many years for friends, neighbors and family. Richard was employed by the McKay Nursery Company as a landscape designer, started Spencer Landscaping and eventually added Master Gardener to his resume.

Richard married Chris (Marion) Bryce on June 25, 1982 in Rockton, IL. He was a member of the South Beloit Legion and St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rockton, IL. He was especially honored and proud to have volunteered with Beloit Hospice for many years. Richard loved his Cubs, Bears, Nittany Lions and especially the Hononegah Indians.

Survived by his children, Kelly (Milo) Miller, Cyndi Hlavin (Jim Stenberg), Daniel (Tamara) Spencer, Jane Mark, Michael (Lori) Spencer and David (Jennifer) Spencer; grandchildren, Jordan (Tiffany) Miller, Scott (Kibby) Hlavin, Kelsey (Kevin) Blazaitis, Lauren Hlavin, Rachael (Andrew) Walters, Chelsie (Pat) Metcalf, Barrett (Ali) Mark, Oliver (Shyann) Mark, Jonathan McDonald and Natalie (Andrix) Anguelles. He is further survived by many nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren, special friends and his best four legged friend, Wrigley.

Richard's family would like to thank The Grand Victorian of Rockford for their love, care and patience these past 2 years. All the wonderful and dedicated employees became family to us, thank you, each and every one of you, Northern Illinois Hospice for their care to the end and Grace United Methodist Church - the friendliest church ever!

There will be social time to visit and share refreshments from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Rd, Rockford, IL. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Sejoon Jang officiating. Cremation Rites were Accorded. McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel assisted the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beloit Hospice, Northern Illinois Hospice or Grace United Methodist Church. Please come celebrate our dad!