Alexander P. Spence

Alexander P. Spence, PhD age 82 of Willoughby died Jan. 6, 2012 at his residence surrounded by family. Born April 5, 1929 in Jennings, MO to William G. and Mildred (nee: Perkins) Spence, he had lived in Cortland, NY for over 45 years prior to moving to Breckenridge Village retirement community in Willoughby six years ago. Alex was a Corpsman in the US Navy, serving as a medic for the Marines during the Korean War. While serving in Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii, he met Marion Torrance, an Army nurse, and remained devoted to her the rest of his life. They were married on May 21, 1955 in Lake Placid, NY. Alex was a Professor of Biology for State University of New York at Cortland, serving as Chairman and retiring in 1992. During his time as a professor, Spence authored two books: “Basic Human Anatomy” and “Biology of Human Aging.” He also co-authored “Human Anatomy and Physiology.” Since then, the books have had multiple editions, and “Human Anatomy and Physiology” has been published in French and Portuguese. Alex was well-loved by his family, who cherish many memories of days spent sailing on Cayuga Lake, backpacking in the Adirondacks, and numerous family vacations and adventures. He leaves his beloved wife Marion (nee: Torrance) Spence of Willoughby; daughters Carol (Chuck) Tuttle of Chardon and Cynthia (Matthew) Hutcheson of Coudersport, PA; son Mark (Stephanie) Spence of Midland, MI; Seven grandchildren Katie and Jenni Tuttle, Sarah and Alex Hutcheson, Brian, Tori and Lisa Spence. He is survived by his brother William P. (Bettye) Spence of Pinehurst, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents.