Dora B. (Belbusti) Spencer

Dora Belbusti Spencer, 95, of Thurmont, MD and, until 2015, of East Haven passed away on February 15, 2017.   She was the daughter of Nazzareno  and Francesca Marcucci Belbusti and the beloved wife of the late Francis Warren Spencer for over 60 years.

During World War II, Dora worked at the Chance Vought aircraft plant in Stratford where she became part of a group of women nicknamed Rosie the Riveter for their work in assembling the F4U Corsair fighter plane.   She worked as a parts clerk and gained the nickname “Smudgie” for the grease that invariably found its way to the end of her nose during each shift at the plant.  After the war and during a long span as a mother and housewife, she garnered the nickname “Sarge” for her meticulous management of her extended family and her fearless ability to undertake auto repairs, tailoring, upholstery, woodworking or any other skill she deemed necessary.  From 1994-14 she worked at the East Haven Senior Center.  She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and colleague who will be greatly missed.

Dora is survived by two children:  Jeffrey P. Spencer of East Haven and Candace S. (Mel) Poole of Thurmont, MD and three grandchildren: Joshua Walton (Katy) Poole of North Carolina, Lauren Elizabeth Poole of Texas, and Jennifer L. Spencer of East Haven.   She is also survived by two nieces, Mary (Louis) Speringo of East Haven, and Rose Ann (John) Burton of South Carolina, and two nephews, David (Tracy) Belbusti of West Haven, and Paul (Cathy) Spencer of Maine.  Her eldest daughter, Susan Penelope (Penny) Wood passed away in Branford just 12 hours after Dora’s death in Maryland.  Dora is also predeceased by three brothers:  Charles, Peter, and Joseph Belbusti, two sisters: Mary Donnelly and Rose Cusano, and a grandson, Jeffrey P. Spencer II.

Family and friends may visit the Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Road in North Branford on Tuesday, February 28 from 5-7pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 1 at 10am with burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue in North Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital or the Covenant House.  To leave an online condolence or tribute, please visit www.keenanfuneralhome.com.

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