SPENCER: Charles Newton "Newt" Prouty, 68, a lifelong resident of Spencer, passed away on Monday, March 21 in his home following a prolonged and debilitating battle with cancer. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Cynthia A. (Bercume) Prouty; a son, Samuel Prouty and his wife Melissa Kobelin of Weybridge, Vermont, and two young grandchildren, Meredith and Miles Prouty. Newt is also survived by three siblings, Stephen Prouty of Spencer, Marilyn Perkins of Lunenburg, and Christopher Prouty of Kansas, and by several nieces and nephews. His brother, Richardson K. Prouty Jr., predeceased him.
Mr. Prouty graduated from David Prouty High School in 1965. For nearly 30 years, before retiring in 2010, he owned and operated Prouty Insurance Agency, which was founded in 1947 by his father, Richardson K. Prouty. Before his illness curtailed some of his activity, Newt enjoyed golfing, woodworking, riding motorcycles, fishing, tinkering, and spending downtime with friends at Dunkin' Donuts.
Peaceful and shy by nature, Newt nevertheless answered any duty that called him. He served in active combat duty in Vietnam, where his exposure to Agent Orange may have affected his later health troubles. In recognition of his service to his nation, Mr. Prouty was awarded, among other commendations, the Silver Star Medal and a medal for expert marksmanship.
Newt was as committed and loyal to his family and his community as he was to his country. In the past, Newt regularly sponsored and coached local youth sports teams, and he served on various town committees; for many years, he also served as a corporator of Spencer Savings Bank.
Those who knew or worked with Newt will remember his quick wit, his mischievous grin, and his often unheralded acts of kindness: building interesting woodworks for loved ones, plowing the snowed-in driveways of strangers, fixing household troubles for friends, and the like. In his work, Newt was very generous with, and a staunch advocate for, employees and clients alike. Newt was a loving and dedicated father to Sam, and a playful and proud grandfather to Meredith and Miles; he also helped to care for his father, who suffered from Alzheimer's Disease.
In accordance with Newt’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing funeral arrangements.