Stephen Spicer

Stephen Paul Spicer, a beloved father, grandfather, and husband, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at his home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, at the age of 74.

Life

Born on July 9, 1950, in Norwich, Chenango County, New York, Stephen embarked on a distinguished career as an Aerospace Engineer, educated at California Polytechnic State Institute in San Luis Obispo, CA. He had the honor of helping build and launch the first Iridium Satellite, which was recognized in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum gallery for the Iridium Satellite Project in 2008 in Washington D.C. He worked on many aerospace projects overseeing teams of engineers at Motorola and later Honeywell throughout his career. He traveled internationally often in his career and aerospace brought Stephen to AZ. Stephen had a passion for space and the night sky, which he shared with his daughters throughout their childhood. He loved music, sports, bike riding, spending time outdoors, cars, dogs, reading, movie going, travel, and so much more. Above all, he valued his family and the time spent with them, creating lasting memories. His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both joyous and challenging times.

Family

Stephen is survived by his devoted wife, Finela Spicer, from Bacolod, Philippines, whom he married on June 24, 2006, in Tempe, AZ. He was a proud father to his two daughters, Christina L. Willman, and Heather K. Spicer. He adored his grandchildren, Vera Lynn Willman, 10, and Sasha LeeAnne Joyce Willman, 8, the daughters of Christina and her husband, Simon Willman. Stephen also leaves behind his grandson, Levi McMurray, 10, the son of Heather Spicer. Additionally, he is survived by his two younger brothers, Gary Spicer and Greg Spicer; sisters-in-law Theresa and Gail Spicer; his stepmother, Suzette Spicer (De La Pena); former spouses Lise Lambert Rehm and Barbara Campbell (Olthouse); as well as his cousins, nieces, and nephew. A special mention goes to his cousin, Conley Titus (Spicer), who generously donated her kidney to Stephen in 2017, giving him the gift of extended life.

Predeceased by:

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, Norman Edmund Spicer and Catherine Mary Jennings (Franklin), and his stepfather, Eric Jennings.

Service

Services to honor Stephen will be held at St. Stevens Catholic Church at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 26th, and a reception in his honor will be held afterwards with light food, desserts, and beverages. St. Stevens Catholic Church: 24827 S. Dobson Rd. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

A private interment will follow on Stephen’s 75th birthday, July 9th, at 9:00 AM at Queen of Heavens Catholic Cemetery: 1562 E. Baseline Rd. Mesa, AZ 85204.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Stephen’s name may be made to 10126 E. Navajo Pl. Sun Lakes, AZ 85248; or ‘Name a Star’: https://www.star-registration.com/collections/stars; or make a donation to Dementia Society of America: https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2