Obituary of Arthur "Art" Spell, Jr.

Arthur “Art” Spell, Jr., age 88 years of Cinnaminson for over 50 years, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2020. Arthur was born on March 5, 1932 to the late Arthur Spell, Sr. and Bernetta Minnie (nee King) Spell. Beloved husband of Ellen V. (nee Kimbrough) for 64 years. Devoted father of Darlene Presson (Cedric) and David Spell. Loving grandfather of Maya and Cedric, Jr. Dear brother of Jeanette Evans, Andrew Spell, James Arnold Spell, Edward Spell and the late Albert Spell, Sr., Mildred Jonessee, Howard Spell and Yvonne Johnson. Cherished brother in law of Catherine Spell, Deborah Spell, Phyllis Spell, Marion Irby, Edith Cobb, Dorothy Anderson, Elva Kimbrough and the late Edith Spell, Clemestine Spell and Cleophus Johnson. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Art attended Merchantville High School and Virginia Union University, class of 1954, where he received his bachelor's degree and also attended New York University, Western Reserve University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated from the School of Physical Therapy in 1956. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity gamma chapter where he served as president from 1952-1953. Art was a proud United States Army veteran, serving from 1956-1958. He also served as Past President Jordantown Civic Association in Pennsauken, Secretary of the Camden County Human relations Council, a member and director of the Merchantville-Pennsauken JC's, a member of the board of directors Camden Visiting Nurses Associations, and Chairman of the Professional Advisory Committee. Art was voted as the Outstanding Young Man of the Year Merchantville-Pennsauken in 1965, one of the five Outstanding Young Men of America in 1965, and named one of the Community Leaders in America in 1969. Art was a member of the Cinnaminson Fire Company for 49 years where he was Past Director and President from 1989-1992 and the Chaplain and was responsible to ensure that any member of the department who was suffering from illness or misfortune received the support of the department. In addition, as Chaplain, Art presided over the funeral services of many members of the department. He was also past Lieutenant and Captain of the Fire/Police Cinnaminson Fire Department and President of Burlington County Exempt Fireman's Association as well as the Inspector for the New Jersey Athletic Control Board, Boxing Commission, and Timekeeper. Art was Past Chairman of Administrative Board for Asbury Community Church in Woodlynne, NJ, a member of Asbury's Male Chorus, usher, and coordinator Lay Pastor's Ministry. He was also on the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Communities in Collingswood, NJ. Art was a certified Lay Speaker of the United Methodist Church and Lay Leader of the Gateway South District, formerly the Central district of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Cinnaminson Park and Recreation Commission, Chairman of the Cinnaminson Human Relations Council, and member and Vice Chairman of the Burlington County Board of Social Services. Art was a retired Physical Therapist and worked out of his office, private practice, various hospitals, and other institutions before retiring in 1999. Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation on Monday, December 14, 2020 from 6-8 PM at the Falco, Caruso & Leonard Pennsauken Funeral Home, 6600 N. Browning Road. Due to the current public health crisis caused by COVID19, the Funeral Service and Final Disposition will be private. Masks must be worn at all times while inside the funeral home and please pay your respects in a timely manner to allow others to do the same. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Asbury Community Church, 2220 Woodlynne Ave, Woodlynne, NJ 08107.