In Memoriam: Stephen W. Spencer

Stephen W. Spencer, the founder of New York-based London Towncars, and 2007 Limousine Digest Hall of Fame inductee died this past July at the age of 85.

In a career that spanned almost 50 years in the industry, Spencer was known for working with the system instead of fighting it, for which he earned respect from his fellow black car operators and the New York Taxi & Limousine Commission. The Harvard-educated Spencer opened London Towncars in the late 1950s and served the affluent and later corporate travelers with its signature car, the London taxi (the company stopped using the iconic cars in the 1970s, but the name stuck). Spencer, who also had a love for flying, earned his pilot's license at age 16 and flew all around New England. He retired in 2004 and the company is now run by his son, Stephen L. Spencer.

Spencer is survived by his wife of 53 years, Majorie, daughter Vivian, son Stephen, and several grandchildren. .