ARKPORT-Spencer J. “Spence” Bardeen, 77, of Oliver St., passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, on Saturday evening (Feb. 7, 2015) at Hornell Gardens.
Born in Avoca on Feb. 20, 1937, he was the last surviving child of the late Harley and Evelyn Putnam Bardeen. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Aldon, Edwin, Rita Callarame and Harley; also his two brothers-in-law, Francis Amidon, Larry Glover and his sister-in-law, Sharon Rudd.
A former resident of Avoca, Spence graduated from Avoca Central School and attended Cortland State College. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army in active duty from 1960 to 1961 and with the Army National Guard from 1961 to 1964.
Spence has resided in Arkport since 1967 and was employed for 30 years with UPS in Arkport. After his retirement he began his employment with the Blair Supply Co. in Avoca for 15 years, retiring in 2008.
Besides his family, his other passion was baseball. While residing in Avoca he was a member of the Avoca American Legion Town Team; and for many years he served as the president of Arkport Little League. Spence always enjoyed trips to Florida to watch spring training for various baseball teams.
He will be remembered most of all for his wonderful sense of humor and his love of children.
His loving family includes his wife of 46 years, the former Kathryn “Kathy” Amidon, who he married in North Hornell on June 8, 1968; his two sons, Spencer “Scott” (Wendy) Bardeen and Christopher (Debbie) Bardeen all of Raleigh, NC; his two grandchildren, Grace May Bardeen and Eli Spencer Bardeen; his four sisters-in-law, Althea Bardeen of Mansfield, Ohio, Nancy Glover, Linda Gamo (John Walsh) and Martha (Thomas) Rink all of Arkport; also his nieces and nephews.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Spencer J. “Spence” Bardeen.
Calling hours are from 3-6 p.m. Friday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a funeral service will be held in his memory following calling hours at 6 p.m. Friday, with the Rev. Pam Carey officiating.
The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Spence’s military service with the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard.
