Lance S. Spicer

A lifelong area resident, he was born June 6, 1943, in Jamestown, the son of the late Sheridan E. “Spice” and Thelma K. McAuliffe Spicer.

Lance was a 1962 graduate of Falconer High School, 1964 graduate of Jamestown Community College, and 1966 graduate of Syracuse University. He also graduated from the Dale Carnegie Institute. He was a proud member of the United States Navy and a veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1968 to 1970 aboard the USS America.

He was employed by Westburgh Electric as a sales consultant and later by the Jamestown Salvation Army as Business Manager. Lance then moved into real estate working for Coldwell Banker before owning and operating Spicer Realty for almost 25 years.

Lance began his time in public service in 1977 serving as a Councilman for the Town of Ellicott, and in 1978 he was elected to the Chautauqua County Legislature for District 9. He served on the Chautauqua County Legislature for 30 years and served as Chairman of the Legislature from 1990 to 1995. He was a ranking member of the Legislature’s Administrative Services Committee and Human Services Committee. In addition to chairing several legislative committees, Lance served as Chairman of the Chautauqua County Airport Commission, County Transportation Consolidation Task Force, and Director of the South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District. He served on the Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety for the NYS Association of Counties.

Lance was a member of the Jamestown Community College Board of Trustees having served as Vice Chairman, and in 2007 he was elected as Chairman to the Board of Trustees. He was the first JCC Alumnus to serve as Chairman. Lance served as Finance Chairman for Jamestown Community College Board having been appointed by Gov. George Pataki.

Additionally, Lance was a member of the Navy League of the United States, David Arthur Chapter 865 Vietnam Veterans of America, War Veterans, Henry Mosher Post 638 American Legion, Jamestown Elks Lodge 263, and Falconer Moose Lodge 2301. He was a lifetime member of the former John W. Tiffany Post 53 VFW, Past President of the Falconer Rotary Club and was honored with The Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was a Past Director of the NYS Association of Counties, an Exempt and Life Member of the Falconer Volunteer Fire Department, and member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Lance enjoyed serving in county government and always pledged to work hard and be accountable and accessible to his constituents. His main goal while serving in county government was to secure funds that would help improve the quality of life for the residents within his district, and help local town and village governments within his district. Some of his accomplishments while serving on various committees included the acquisition and expansion of the United Jet Center at Chautauqua County Airport and helping to secure funds for many infrastructure projects for the Town of Ellicott, Village of Falconer, and Chautauqua County Landfill.

While serving in county government Lance had a mutual respect with the county workers’ union CSEA. During negotiations with the union, Lance’s first responsibility was always to the taxpayer. He pledged to be fair to the union and be fiscally responsible to the taxpayer. If both parties walked away feeling positive, it was a win for all.

Lance was a lifelong learner and voracious reader who also enjoyed dabbling in free-lance photojournalism and riding his motorcycle. He hardly ever missed his evening news shows, was quick to point out government inefficiency, and was dismayed by corruption. He read three newspapers each day without fail, and he enjoyed discussing current events with family and friends. Lance was a loving father and grandfather who was so proud of his girls. He will be remembered for his integrity, work ethic, honorable service, sense of humor, and kindness to all.

Surviving are two daughters: Kristin Walter of Falconer and Amy (Carlo) Cannava of Lake Placid, NY; two granddaughters: Sophia Walter and Celia Cannava; his companion for the past 13 years, MaryLee Lindros of Bemus Point.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife Mary Kathryn “Kitty” Spicer.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, in the Falconer Funeral Home. Rev. Timothy J. Hoyer pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received by the family from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, in the Falconer Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Falconer Fire Department, Falconer Public Library, or Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to send a message of condolence.