Saratoga Springs, NY - Spencer P. Hellwig Jr. born 12/28/1938 passed away at home 3/23/23. He was the son of Jesse Echols Hellwig and Spencer P. Hellwig Sr.

After high school he served in the US Army for 2 years in Germany followed by 4 years in the National Guard. He then worked for American Finance in Saratoga Springs before becoming a branch manager in Bellows Falls Vermont. After leaving American Finance he worked for AVCO Securities where he became the youngest branch manager in the company located in Buffalo New York. After 6 years with AVCO he decided he needed a change of pace and returned to his roots in Saratoga Springs where he purchased Pepper's Market on Lake Avenue.

When he returned to Saratoga Springs he took the passion he had for ice hockey, which had grown in Buffalo, and founded Saratoga Youth hockey along with several other individuals who were equally passionate about the sport. The hallmark of this program was that every child was welcome to play regardless of their ability to pay for equipment or league expenses. As the program grew Spencer and Phil Fina approached the Saratoga Springs School Board who agreed to support their proposal to include hockey as a high school sport.

Spencer was an avid fisherman with his favorite destinations being the Florida Everglades just outside of Miami where trophy bass were caught and in the coastal waters of Costa Rica. In both locations he fished with his dear friend Jeff Cohen who shared his passion for fishing. His most memorable trip to Costa Rica was with his son Spencer III and grandson Spencer IV when they caught and released 62 sailfish and marlin over a three-day period. He also spent many memorable days fishing year-round on Galway Lake with his son Dennis. During his trips to Miami he was frequently accompanied by his son Marty who was also an avid fisherman. They also both loved to travel abroad and on several occasions visited various European countries to enjoy all of the sights and culture these countries had to offer. His most memorable trip included the entire family and a stop in Germany which he especially enjoyed.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his loving sister Sue and his grandson Spencer IV who he loved more than life itself. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marcia White Hellwig, his children he was so proud of Spencer III (Deborah), Marty, and Dennis, his grandchildren Victoria, Alexandra, Paige, Dennis, and finally several individuals who hold a special place in the family and includes Jill Stevely Hellwig, Joy Mastropietro Hellwig, Diedre Cavanaugh, Paige Fairchild, and Jenn Baur.

The family would like to thank Dr. Delmonte, Saratoga Hospice, and most of all his truly amazing and compassionate nurses Lori Fitzgerald and Melanie Liles for their tender care of Spencer and his family.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).  A funeral home service will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 10am.

Burial with Military Honors will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Family requests memorials to Spencer to the Community Hospice of Saratoga 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com