Obituary of Joseph A. Spacer, Jr.

Joseph A. Spacer, Jr., 84, of Peabody, died early Monday morning at his home following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Doris (Silva) Spacer with whom he shared over 22 years of marriage and was the former husband of the late Beverly (Gowen) Spacer. Born in Watertowne, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Catherine (Omas) Spacer, Sr. He was raised and educated in Everett and graduated from Everett High School, Class of 1939. Upon Marrying his first wife, Beverly, he lived in Somerville until his wife’ s death in 1979. He later married his second wife, Doris, in 1982 and has been living in Peabody for the past 23 years. He was a World War II veteran who served with the United States Marine Corp and was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon with two stars, American Theatre Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a member of the Marine Corp League Essex County Detachment, DAV post 100, Peabody, and a member of the National 3rd Marine Division Association Inc. He had worked for over 20 years at the Museum of Science as an exhibit supervisor, retiring in 1972. After his retirement, he worked an additional 10 years at Boston City Hospital as an Animal Caretaker, retiring again in 1982. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by a son, Richard Spacer, two step-sons, Joel R. Brown of West Newbury and Robert Brown of Georgetown; a step-daughter, Leslie Ann Brown of Swampscott, a brother, F. Robert Spacer of Saugus, a sister, Lana MacArthur of Everett, six step-grandchildren, Sarah and Meegan Breen of Swampscott, Kasey and Toney Brown of West Newbury and Christina and Justin Brown of Georgetown, and is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the brother of the late Edward Spacer, Louise Catanzaro and Pauline Frazer. His funeral service will be held on Thursday at 9:00 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody Facility, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Peabody at 10:00 AM to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial in St. Mary’ s Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923