TOWNSEND — George R. Spinney Sr., 69, died Thursday, June 19, 2008 at his home, supported and surrounded by his loving family and pets.
Mr. Spinney was born in Shirley on Oct. 17, 1938, a son of Hazel (Parmenter) Spinney and resided in Townsend for most of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Virginia I. “Ginny” (Rauhala) Spinney; two sons and daughters-in-law, George R. and Kathy Spinney Jr., of Townsend, and Peter and Cathy Spinney, of Haverhill; a sister, Norma Pyle, of Fitchburg; and four grandchildren, Kaitlin Spinney, Lauren Spinney, Jeffrey Spinney and Brooke Spinney.
Mr. Spinney was a graduate of Townsend High School and had also attended Ward Business School in Worcester.
He worked 18 years in the maintenance department at the Hawthorne Brook Middle School in Townsend, retiring in 2001. Prior to that he worked at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Fitchburg, Cott Beverage Company in Fitchburg, Polar Beverage Company in Worcester and the Canteen Corporation in Waltham.
Mr. Spinney served his community in several ways including one term on the Townsend Board of Assessors, several terms on the Townsend Council On Aging, town constable and on the Spaulding Memorial School Building Committee. During the 1970s he coached the Babe Ruth League in Townsend and has sponsored his granddaughter’s Little League team. He was an avid sports fan and was truly excited to have our hometown Patriots, Red Sox and Celtic win their respective championships in recent years.
Mr. Spinney’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the University of Massachusetts Hospital staff in Worcester as well as EMTs Paul and David at Eascare Ambulance Service in Worcester, who worked so diligently to fulfill his wishes and bring George home on Thursday.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pat Brody Shelter for Animals, P.O. Box 142, Lunenburg, MA 01462 or to the Townsend Senior Center, attn: Christine Clish, 222 Main St., Townsend, MA 01469.
The T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, Townsend center, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.
