Spencer Holden, affectionately known as “Torch,” was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 3, 1939. He was the youngest child of James Holden and Marian Walker Holden; his siblings—all of whom preceded him in death—were Robert “Biggie” Holden, James “Jimmy” Holden, Shirley Taylor, and Donald “Moe” Holden.

Beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, father and husband, Spencer grew up in Providence, Rhode Island where he graduated from Hope High School in 1957. He graduated with a B.S. in Political Science from CUNY’s Baruch College in 1976. His full life included diverse interests as an athlete, actor, singer, dancer, visionary, social activist, entrepreneur, civic leader, artistic producer, manager, author, and fierce and loyal friend.

Spencer’s 6’1” frame and booming voice took center stage in any room he entered. He was an undeniable force of nature and an intellectually progressive thinker. An activist for his people—indeed for all people, but especially for the poor and marginalized—he always strove to leave the community better than he found it. No shrinking violet, Spencer would recite lines from Shakespeare to show off his theatrical training or burst into song when he wanted to cut a dashing figure.

He navigated a 25-year musical and acting career through nightclubs and dance halls, on the Broadway stage, in community theatre and on television. He taught adults acting, public speaking and mime for both their personal growth and their public performances. He founded The Marian Holden Theatre and Drama Workshop, Inc.; co-founded LS Imaging Studio, LLC; and The West Ward Cultural Center in Newark, NJ. He produced an original play, "It Takes a Village to Raise…Hell," and gave a few thought provoking interviews in the Oscar-nominated 2005 political documentary Street Fight about Cory Booker and Sharp James's mayoral race in Newark, NJ. In 2006, Spencer’s vocal group The Dials were inducted into The Rhode Island Rhythm & Blues Preservation Society.

Spencer’s community involvements ranged from dancer to karate instructor. He directed, coached, and managed young models and actors in community theater productions and he taught Sunday School at the Brooklyn Truth Center.

In the 1990s he was founder and guiding light at the Central Brooklyn Sports Association. He assisted black athletes in developing their tennis skills since tennis instruction was not accessible to the community at that time. He was active in the Committee for Community Control, fighting for major changes in the city’s public school system. One victory in a controversy at the Ocean Hill Brownsville district prompted system-wide changes.

Spencer was instrumental in the Newark Chapter of Business Network International (BNI) and served as Vice President and the only male board member of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. 

From 1977 to 1990, Spencer was a civic leader in Starrett City where he founded and led The Onyx Corp. Civic Organization and served as First Vice President of the Starrett Tenants Association. Spencer played a leadership role during Rev. Jesse Jackson’s run for President in 1984 and David Dinkins’s bid for Mayor in 1989.  He also played a leadership role in Cory A. Booker's and Ronald C. Rice's political careers in Newark, NJ. In addition, Spencer served as the West Ward Councilman's Chief of Staff from 2006 to 2012. 

His storied career touched many. He was instrumental in getting the City of Newark’s West Ward Collective off the ground and helped build and run The Hillside Inn Hotel Resort in Stroudsburg, PA.

Spencer was deeply involved in fundraisers for African American causes, including Africare—to find a cure for sickle cell anemia—Mother Hale House, and the United Negro College Fund. He was active in efforts to collect clothing and money for the Jamaican Earthquake Relief Fund and for annual Black History Month programs.

Spencer enjoyed listening to music, fishing, visiting with family, debating politics and all things controversial. He was a walking history book, well-read and always current on world events. He knew something about everything and wasn’t shy about voicing his opinion. One could say he,  "took no tea for the fever"… but perhaps something a little stronger—a Dark ‘n Stormy or a Rob Roy with a lemon twist.

Spencer’s vocational pursuits took him to Emmons Jewelers in Newark, NJ and Cherry Hill, NJ where he worked for six years and became their top salesperson in 1966. He worked for more than three decades for the City of New York and for nine years at the US Census Bureau.

He was generous with his volunteer time, gave of his expansive knowledge and experience and fought for equality in the greater New York metropolitan region. He “talked the talk” and walked the pavement on the streets of New York and New Jersey to get people to register to vote and become involved in their neighborhoods.

Spencer is remembered as an authentic human being who never compromised his values. He loved his family dearly and maintained a strong relationship with his three former spouses, Beverly, (the late) Jean and Lucretia, phenomenal women all. He was the father of four extraordinary women: Sheree, Adrian, Tracee and Stephanie,  one grandson, Curtis Yarborough Jr., and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and cousins.

Spencer passed on December 23, 2021, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal grandparents Joseph and Annie Walker; his aunt Alma Farmer and his older siblings.

Spencer’s legacy lives on in the memories and many stories to be shared by his children, former spouses, blended and extended families, friends, colleagues, and associates in Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Canada, and Bermuda. A lasting, and fitting tribute to him was entered into the Congressional Record by the Honorable Edolphus “Ed” Towns. The entry reads, in part, “Since becoming actively involved in community work some 28 years ago, Spencer Holden has gained recognition as one of the most prolific, well liked and respected persons in his community.” True that.

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