George Kenneth Spencer

George Kenneth Spencer, of Brackenridge, died unexpectedly Sunday morning November 2, 2025 of natural causes. George was born on February 3, 1946 in Pittsburgh to Lewis and Patricia Spencer, the second of four boys. From a very young age, George’s musical talent was evident. At just four or five years old, his father would call out, “Let her rip, George!” whether they were riding a streetcar or waiting in a barbershop. Young George would burst into song, delighting everyone around him. His performances filled the room with laughter and joy, hinting at the musical path his life would follow.

George’s formal music training began around age six or seven, when he started piano lessons with a Mrs. Hess. Although Patricia and Lew encouraged all their sons to pursue music, it was only George who truly embraced this path. His passion for music soon led him to study the organ with Allen Langord, the organist at Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church. These early experiences laid the foundation for George’s lifelong dedication to music.

At age 15, George landed his first job playing the organ at James Street Methodist Church in Wilkinsburg. When he turned 16, his parents bought him a Chevy so he could drive himself to work—a privilege that sparked envy among his brothers. George’s dedication to music continued as he took organ lessons from Marshall Bidwell, the musical director at the Carnegie Institute and organist at Carnegie Music Hall. He pursued his undergraduate studies at both Carnegie Institute (CMU) and Oberlin College, and later earned a graduate degree in Sacred Music from Duquesne University.

George subsequently served as organist for a remarkable array of churches and synagogues throughout the Pittsburgh area. Among the many congregations he supported were Zion Lutheran in Penn Hills, Sunset Hills United Methodist Church in Mt. Lebanon, Sewickley United Methodist Church, Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, as well as others in Fox Chapel, Hazelwood, and beyond. His dedication to sharing music extended beyond performance; George spent much of his career as a piano teacher, recently inspiring his nephews by teaching them on the piano he played as a child.

In 1986, George married Dorothy J. Brady at Linway United Presbyterian Church in East McKeesport. Their beloved daughter Georgette serves in the US Army and has been deployed in Afghanistan and South Korea, with another deployment to South Korea approaching. Georgette’s husband, Dylan Banbrook, is also a member of the US Army. DJ currently leads the Bell Choir at their church, the First United Presbyterian Church of Tarentum, where George has recently been the organist.

Always available for a good conversation and a joke, George liked to push buttons and could always be relied on to keep things interesting. He was also the family’s social butterfly, attending every Edgewood High School reunion since his graduation in 1964, keeping up on everyone’s lives and progress.

In addition to his musical achievements George was a long time employee of Hayes School Publishing Co. in Wilkinsburg and was committed to physical fitness. He kept himself in excellent shape by running, walking, swimming, and participating in other activities – most recently the City of Bridges Running Club. He has sung in both the Mendelsohn and Bach Choirs in Pittsburgh and has been an active member of the Tuesday Musical Club.

In recent weeks he and his doctors were puzzling over a potential autoimmune reaction, causing swelling in his hand, and whether there was any connection to an earlier thyroid problem. Unfortunately the diagnosis was not clear and he seemed in relatively good health. His sudden passing has shined a light on the outsized role he played in so many people’s lives. He will be greatly missed.

George is survived by his wife Dorothy (DJ) Spencer; daughter Georgette (Dylan) Spencer; brothers David (Diana) Spencer, Curtis (Nena) Spencer, Bill (Peggy) Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Lewis and Patricia Spencer and beloved great aunt and benefactor Brenda (Walter) Reineman.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 11am at the First United Presbyterian Church of Tarentum, 913 Lock St, Tarentum, PA 15084. Visitation with the family will begin prior to the service at the church at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 730 Church Street, New Kensington. Arrangements by Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. VISIT: dusterfuneralhomeinc.com