Robert Gear Spencer

Mr. Spencer, 78, of Tinton Falls, died Jan. 7, 2008, at Care One at King James, Navesink section of Middletown. He was born in Newark, Ohio. He was a computer programmer at IBM, retiring in 1994. Prior to that, he taught vocal music and directed musical shows for 20 years for groups such as the Men of Note and the Choralettes, and Red Bank High School, Red Bank. He served with the U.S.Army Signal Corps from 1952-54 at FortMonmouth, Eatontown. He was a 50-year member of United Methodist Church of Red Bank, where he served as director of music for 17 years. He was a founding member and assistant conductor of the Shrewsbury chorale, and tenor soloist performing with the chorale, Monmouth Civic Chorus, and the State Orchestra of New Jersey. He was a former president of Red Bank Teachers Association. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Geyer Spencer; two sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Mary Ann Spencer, and Jonathan and Jennifer Spencer; a daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Spiros Prassas; a brother, James M. Spencer; a sister, Mary LouWood; and eight grandchildren.Amemorial serviced will be held Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950; or the Memorial Fund of the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, 247 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701.