Philip Spear, Jr. Obituary

Philip James Spear, Jr. of Haverford, PA, died on September 11, 2025 at the age of 80.  Phil was born December 8, 1944 in Winchester, MA, the son of Philip James Spear and Hazel Blackburn Spear.  He graduated from Rutgers University in 1966 and then earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching at Harvard University in 1967. It was at Harvard that he met Marynelle, who was to be his wife for 56 years.  His early teaching career was interrupted by his service in the US Army, working in military intelligence and stationed in Honolulu, HI.  In 1975, he started at The Episcopal Academy, then located in Merion, PA.  Over the next 30 years he served the community tirelessly, mostly as an English teacher, but also in various administrative positions.

In addition to teaching, he loved birding and fishing, food and wine, and the New York Mets.  Upon his retirement, he and Marynelle travelled extensively, especially in Italy, and also spent part of the year in Williamstown, MA. There they entertained friends and family and enjoyed the many attractions of the Berkshires. He was a member of the Merion Cricket Club, took Italian lessons, and volunteered at the Rosenbach Museum.

A devoted husband to Marynelle and loving father to Betsy, he was a loyal brother to Brian Spear (Kathleen) and Laurel Spear Bernstein (Sanford). In addition, he will be greatly missed by his brothers-in-law George Hall (Edith) and John Hall (Carole), his son-in-law Kenneth Abramson, and his nieces and nephews.  

His legacy, however, goes far beyond his immediate family to the hundreds of students, parents, and colleagues whose lives he touched as an educator.  His love of teaching has inspired countless others to teach, including his daughter Betsy. He will be remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and sharp intellect. His family requests that you honor his memory by supporting an educational institution of your choice.  

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday November 15, 2025,  11:00 AM at The Class of 1944 Chapel at Episcopal Academy, 1756 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square PA 19073.  Interment will be held at a later date.