Richard Allen Spencer Sr., 63, of Hardwick died Jan. 9, 2013, in the comfort of his home with his loving wife at his side. He was born Jan. 9, 1950 in St. Johnsbury, the son of the late Richard H. and Priscilla (Welch) Spencer. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Trade School in the class of 1969. He first married Linda Pearce. He later married Joan S. Pilbin Smith in Port Charlotte, Fla. on Jan. 10, 2006. They spent several years wintering in Florida and making Vermont home during the summer months. He enlisted in the Marine Corp. on Oct. 2, 1969 in Albany, N.Y. Richard served his country in the California, Philippines, Okinawa, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. On March 6, 1974, Richard was awarded the Marine Corp Medal for heroism while serving in the U.S. Naval Base, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. Gny Sgt. Spencer was honorably discharged on Sept. 26, 1983 with service connected disability. Dick was a member of the American Legion Post # 58 and the Elks Club, both in St. Johnsbury, the Breslin Center in Lyndonville and the Moose Club on Merritt Island, Fla. He loved the time that he spent with his family, many friends and particularly his grandchildren. He enjoyed coaching T-ball, hunting camp, fishing, traveling in his RV and a little trip to the Casinos now and again. Survivors include: his wife, Joan, of Hardwick; a son: Richard A. Spencer Jr. and companion Melissa Bell, of Berlin; a daughter: Bobbi Brimblecombe and husband, James, of Marshfield; step son: Douglas "DJ" Smith of Hardwick; a step daughter: Kimberly "Kim" Bird of Wolcott; Kelly Smith of Hardwick; 7 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; a brother: Theodore " Ted" Spencer of St. Johnsbury; two sisters: Carolyn Lambert of Dalton, N.H. and Nancy King of Lowell; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A gathering and celebration of Richard "Gunny" Spencer's life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2012 from 10 a.m. until noon at the American Legion Post # 58 in St. Johnsbury. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to the Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819 or to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT. 05495.