Temple Mourns the Passing of Spencer Prescott

PHILADELPHIA - Temple University mourns the loss of Spencer Prescott who served as an assistant football coach at Temple under three head coaches – Bruce Arians, Jerry Berndt and Bobby Wallace.

Prescott passed on December 22, 2021, and will be laid to rest this Friday, January 7, 2022.

Viewing: 9:00-11:00am
Funeral Service: 11:00am
Impacting Your World Christian Center
2901 Chapel Ave. W., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Due to COVID protocols, limited seating will be available at the funeral service. Masks are required.

Interment: Merion Memorial Park
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Below is an obituary submitted by the family…

Spencer Bernard Prescott, Jr.—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend to so many—departed this life on December 22, 2021.

Affectionately known as "Cubby" to his family and many close friends, Spencer was born on November 11, 1956, at Lankenau Hospital in the Philadelphia suburb of Wynnewood to the late Spencer Bernard Prescott, Sr., and the late Katie Prescott Jones. The third eldest of five siblings, Spencer received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He was later baptized at True Light Community Ministries under the direction of Pastor Reid Prettyman of Philadelphia. Spencer developed an early interest in athletics and attended Mitchell Prep School on a football scholarship.

A powerful running back, Spencer played at Villanova University in the late 1970s alongside future Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long and Detroit Lions running back Vince Thompson. In the fall of 1976, he was initiated into Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Spencer obtained a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Villanova University in 1980. During his time as a collegiate student-athlete he also achieved a black belt in karate and posted a professional kickboxing record of 44-2 with 36 KOs from 1976-79.

Upon graduation, Spencer embarked on a long and rewarding college football coaching career as an assistant coach with stops at Villanova University, East Carolina University, Temple University, Lackawanna College, and University of Connecticut.

Working as an assistant under three different Temple coaches—Bruce Arians, Jerry Berndt and Bobby Wallace, Spencer was known across the greater Philadelphia area as a talented recruiter of young men who were drawn to his genuine nature. He was a father figure and mentor to generations of athletes who were able to use their college education as a springboard to greater things in life, most notably1986 Heisman Trophy runner-up Paul Palmer.

Utilizing his innate charm and a smile that could light up a room, Spencer met the love of his life, Jennifer Whitfield, while at Villanova University. The two married in 1982, and from that union they had three children, Spencer III, Anthony, and Jocelyn.

A doting father, Spencer had a particular love for Christmas as he spoiled his entire family with countless presents and toys while he perfected his eggnog recipe. He is also well-remembered for his infamous "Prescott Surprise," a goulash of unknown origin that included Pennsylvania Dutch egg noodles, hamburger, peas, cream of mushroom soup and whatever else he could find in the refrigerator.

Spencer spent his final years devoting his time and attention to Jennifer and his three grandchildren. He could also be found teaching karate and serving as a role-model for the young people in his church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Spencer Bernard Prescott, Sr., and Katie Prescott Jones, as well as his stepfather, Joseph Lewis Jones and younger brother, Timothy Andrew Prescott.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Whitfield Prescott; children Spencer B. Prescott III, Anthony Prescott (Ashley), Jocelyn Prescott; grandchildren, Anthony Prescott, Jr., Ava Prescott, Aaliyah Prescott; sisters, Stephanie Prescott Lowe (Ernest), Jacqueline Prescott Bailey (Barry), Michelle Prescott Brown (Russell); sister-in-law, Leslie Whitfield Friday (James); brothers-in-law, Thomas Stephenson, Mark Whitfield (Stephanie), Derek Whitfield (Brenda) and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family

Temple University Athletics

Temple Mourns the Passing of Spencer Prescott

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