Paul J. "PJ" Spencer passed away at the VA Hospital in Bedford on Monday morning November 7, 2016. He was 86 years of age. Mr. Spencer was born in Melrose on March 20, 1930 to the late Thomas & Gertrude (Keenan) Spencer. He was raised in Saugus and Malden, and graduated from Malden High School, Class of 1950. He also earned an Associate's Degree from Northeastern University. Paul served his country with pride in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Mr. Spencer worked as a contract administrator at Raytheon for 35 years, retiring in 1992. A resident of Melrose since 1955, Paul was very involved in local politics and served on the Board of Alderman for over 15 years for the City of Melrose. He was also a commissioner at the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose for many years. Mr. Spencer was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Melrose Elks, and was a member of a local AMVETS. Paul was well known in his neighborhood for his large vegetable garden and could always be found in "The Barn" working on cars or doing small engine repairs. He loved going up to his place on Long Lake in Maine and spending time out on his boat. But most of all he loved his family especially all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mr. Spencer was the beloved husband of 61 years to Arlene E. (Sullivan) Spencer. Loving father of the late Paul J. Spencer Jr., Peter Spencer & his wife Patty, Amy Blades & her husband Thomas Sr. and John T. Spencer all of Melrose. Caring brother of Audrey Bertrand of Saugus, Joyce O'Leary of TN and the late Thomas F. Spencer Jr. John Spencer, Gerald Spencer, & June York. Cherished grandfather of Paul J. III, Sean & Adam Spencer, Timothy & Grace Spencer, Thomas Blades Jr. & his wife Emily, Joseph P. Blades and Ashley Barreto & her husband Cesar, and Allyson & Molly Jane Spencer. Great grandfather of Amira Marie & Alina Beth Barreto. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from 4:00-8:00PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, Melrose on Thursday, Nov. 10th at 9AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. US Air Force Korean War Veteran. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Paul's name to Alzheimer's Research Association 480 Pleasant St. Watertown, MA 02472.