Spencer G. Vespole ’13 died on December 13, 2019 in Montclair, New Jersey. 

(The following was published by the St. Benedict’s Preparatory School on December 14, 2019)

St. Benedict’s lost an endearing member of the community on Friday evening when 2009 graduate and teacher Spencer Vespole lost his valiant fight against cancer.

Vespole, who, in 2018, was honored with the Raymond J. Sachs Award for Distinguished Teaching. The Sachs Award is presented annually to a faculty member nominated by their peers for outstanding work with students, both in the classroom and beyond. The recipient exemplifies the demanding criteria required of a St. Benedict’s faculty member.

Vespole was Chairman of the History Department, taught freshman World History; was a founding member of our literacy PLC (professional learning community); and Chair of the Technology Team.

The 29-year-old Vespole, who graduated from Bowdoin College before returning to The Hive as a faculty member in 2013, also doubled as the water polo coach, first as an assistant to Dr. Glenn Cassidy before taking over the lead duties a few years back. He started his water polo career as an eighth-grader at St. Benedict’s.

“There are countless stories to tell about Spencer. He truly loved life and loved those around him,” said Dr. Cassidy. “He also loved water polo from the time he started. It was extremely gratifying to have him both as a player and then as a coach.  I can truly say that there was no one like him and it was a blessing to be so closely associated with him.”