Oscar R. Spencer, juvenile detention educator, photographer, and neighborhood activist, has died at 70

Oscar R. Spencer, 70, of Camden, longtime juvenile detention educator for the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, board chair for the Parkside Business and Community in Partnership nonprofit, skilled photographer, church chief, and volunteer, died Tuesday, Sept. 30, of problems from a coronary heart situation at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

The second-youngest of eight kids to develop up on Haddon Avenue within the Parkside neighborhood of Camden, Mr. Spencer joined the state’s Juvenile Justice Commission in 1994 and spent 25 years educating English, historical past, math, science, and different subjects to adjudicated juvenile males detained by the state.

He retired about 5 years in the past after working most not too long ago with college students at Vineland Preparatory Academy in Cumberland County and earlier at detention facilities in Camden and Middlesex Counties. He discovered his area of interest, he instructed his household, by working with younger individuals who wanted a mentor and position mannequin in addition to a instructor.

“He always loved giving back and found his passion in education,” mentioned his daughter, Yaniece. His son, Aaron, mentioned: “He always found the opportunity for a teaching moment no matter the circumstance.”

Former colleagues on the justice fee referred to as him “a gentleman” and “a great teacher and a great worker” in online tributes. Earlier, he labored instead instructor in Camden after incomes a bachelor’s diploma in enterprise administration at what’s now Delaware State University in 1978.

“I will never forget his smile and laughter,” a pal mentioned in a tribute. His household mentioned one in every of his favourite motivational mottos was: “Keep pushing and don’t give up.”

He graduated from Camden High School in 1973, grew to become a hometown activist after school, and served as a longtime member and up to date board chair of the Parkside Business and Community in Partnership nonprofit. He additionally registered new voters round city and labored for the Camden County Board of Elections for 20 years.

“Oscar’s legacy can be seen in the homes restored, the programs created, and the lives touched by his steady leadership and genuine love for community,” Parkside Partnership officials said in a tribute.

He traveled to Ecuador in 2023 and Thailand in 2024 to work with younger individuals by means of BOSS Mentoring Inc., a nonprofit cofounded by his daughter. “He lived a life of purpose,” she mentioned, “rooted in family, community, and service.”

A lifelong photographer, Mr. Spencer went professional when he founded ORS Photos in 1978. He labored weddings, reunions, galas, soccer video games, and every kind of different occasions. He did studio trend shoots and glamour pictures. The Inquirer and Courier-Post revealed his photographs.

He had not less than 30 cameras in his assortment and maybe one million photographs in his portfolio. Neighbors referred to as him “the man with the camera.” His motto was: “Give me your photos, and I’ll book your memories.”

He was a lifetime member and native chapter president of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and was honored for his “selfless service and commanding leadership.” He was a longtime trustee at New Pilgrim Baptist Church. His motto at church was: “Keep hope alive.”

Friends referred to as him an “exceptional role model,” a “true champion of the community,” and “knowledgeable and honest” in online tributes. His family said: “His infectious smile and generous spirit touched everyone he met. He embodied the pride, perseverance, and soul of the city he loved so deeply.”

Oscar Richard Spencer was born April 7, 1955, in Camden. He grew up with 5 brothers and two sisters, and after school he moved to a home on Haddon Avenue just some doorways away from his mother and father.

He labored in retail and finance in addition to educating earlier than becoming a member of the Juvenile Justice Commission. He appreciated old-school music, flashy vehicles, hats, and sun shades.

He loved catching up with previous classmates at highschool and school reunions. But he took a variety of ribbing as a result of he cheered for the Dallas Cowboys soccer group and Los Angeles Lakers basketball group.

He married Lisa Whack in 1986, they usually had a daughter, Yaniece, and a son, Aaron. He additionally had daughter Renee Hamilton. His spouse died earlier.

Mr. Spencer was humorous and pleasant, his household mentioned. “He found happiness in simple things: washing his car, taking a drive, watching a good game, or sharing a laugh with family and friends,” they mentioned. “He was the definition of joy.”

In addition to his kids, Mr. Spencer is survived by three brothers and different family members. Two brothers and two sisters died earlier.

Visitation with the household is to be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at New Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1030 S. Fifth St., Camden, N.J. 08103; and 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Antioch Baptist Church, 690 Ferry Ave., Camden, N.J. 08104. On Thursday, an Omega Psi Phi service is to observe at 7:15 p.m. On Friday, a celebration of his life is to be at 11 a.m., and a repass is to be at 2:30 p.m.

Donations in his title could also be made to the Oscar R. Spencer Memorial Scholarship at BOSS Mentoring Inc., 1030 S. Fifth St., Camden, N.J. 08103.