Spencer Irving Radnich, Jr.

RADNICH, Spencer I., Jr.

The world lost a remarkable man with the death of Spencer Irving Radnich Jr., 84, of Scott Township, Pittsburgh, PA. He passed away on February 24, 2023, leaving behind a lifetime of love and memories.  Spencer was a well-respected and beloved member of the community and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was known for his quick yet gentle wit and incredible intelligence.

Spencer was born September 30, 1938 in Oklahoma City, Ok, to Spencer Sr. and Frances Hays Radnich.  He was married to the love of his life, Gayle LaForge Radnich, for 61 years. Together, they had two children, Robert Spencer Radnich (Mary Kay) Meadville, PA, and Lisa Radnich Schade Matheson (Don) Alexandria, VA.

He was survived by Gayle, his two children; three grandchildren, Ryan Palmer Schade (Ellissa Corwin), Alexandra Schade Stebbins (Grady), and Katherine Adah Mattocks  (nee Radnich) (Elijah); and two great grandchildren, Edward Palmer Stebbins and Lydia Adah Mattocks. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Hays Radnich (Diane) of Dover, Delaware, brother in law Harry LaForge Jr. of Montana, and several nieces and nephews. 

Spencer was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving as an explosive ordnance officer at Redstone Arsenal, White Sands Missile Range, Baumholder Germany, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Picatinny Arsenal, and one tour in Vietnam. 

After eight years of service, he left active duty in 1969 to work as an engineer and project manager for Xerox in Webster and Rochester, NY.  He simultaneously continued to serve in the Army Reserve, holding company, battalion, and group-level commands, rising to the rank of Colonel and serving as the Chief of Staff for the Training and Indoctrination Command at the end of his military career.  While in Webster, Spence was active in Webster Presbyterian Church and was President of the Rochester Numismatic Club. 

In the mid-1990s, Spence and Gayle decided to retire early from Xerox and work as volunteers with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in Kikuyu, Kenya. His greatest project was managing the construction of a new operation theater and clinic for the Eye Unit of the PCEA hospital.  In addition to his many projects at the hospital, Spencer also found time to teach marketing and logistics at local colleges, especially Daystar University in Nairobi.  He loved learning so much, Spencer eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST).  While in Africa, Spencer became an avid, expert birder, traveling all over the world to find rare bird species and developing an extensive life list. 

Upon returning to the US in 2008, Spencer and Gayle continued to serve with numerous mission projects before finally settling in Pittsburgh, PA where they were active in the United Methodist church in Mt. Lebanon.  As the family genealogist, he expanded upon the work started by his father decades ago and left extensive records of his research for future generations. 

Spencer was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved rooting for the Steelers (when they weren’t playing the NY Giants), Penguins, Pirates and Yankees.  An adventurous traveler, Spencer and family have visited every continent, including Antarctica in 1998. 

Spencer was a devoted husband, father, and mentor, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. A man of great faith, Spencer was a devout Christian, and a voracious reader. He was passionate about learning and could often be found reading the Bible, studying theology, and engaging in deep conversations with friends and family. 

Spencer's life was an example of faith, service, and dedication to the Lord. His incredible legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be dearly missed by friends and family and will be very fondly remembered. 

Friends received SATURDAY, March 4, 2023, 11 - 12 noon in Providence Point Chapel, 300 Madison Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15243, where a Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 pm.  Interment with military honors will be at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: World Concern https://worldconcern.org   and/or   https://www.michaeljfox.org

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