Gordon H. Spingler, 78, of Provincetown and formerly of Newport, R.I., passed away of complications from pneumonia on Dec. 6 with his family by his side.
Born in Providence, R.I. on July 4, 1939 to Oakley A. and Zilpha (Nelson) Spingler,
Gordon attended Provincetown schools through his sophomore year, and then graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, R.I. in 1957. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Gordon graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.
His professional career as a senior technical writer and manager of technical services spanned many years — he was employed by Raytheon Submarine Signal Division, Ocean Technology, Inc., Hughes Aircraft Company, EG&G and Dynamic Systems in Newport, R.I.
Gordon returned to Provincetown in 1998 to care for his elderly father, “Oakie." He gave his father loving and excellent care until his 2004 death.
Gordon tended the Portuguese Princess's ticket booth for a number of summers. His interests and hobbies were many, including literature, history, gardening, cooking, fishing (he was an expert in many fly-tying techniques) and foraging for seasonal edibles. He enjoyed jazz and classical music. He was a whip when playing Trivial Pursuit and “Jeopardy.” The Provincetown library was his second home. But the highlight of his life was sailing with his cousin, Henry Spingler, at the Newport Yachting Center. The crew won first place at the 1983 Ensign Class National Championship in Bristol, R.I. The team always enjoyed robust seasons, attaining place status in many of the Ensign Class Regattas.
Gordon leaves his siblings, Susan (Robert) O'Neil, of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fla.; Mary (Van Hof) McHale, of Provincetown; David (Debbie Scesney) of Provincetown; Jane (Michael) Wirth of Coral Springs, Fla.; and Mary Ellen (M.E.) Spingler of Provincetown. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, brother John (Moe) Spingler and brother-in-law James McHale. Gordon was the grandson of the late Louisa (Smith) and Martin Nelson of Pearl Street, and the great-grandson of Capt. James Peter Smith, lighthouse keeper of Monomoy Point, Chatham.
The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the Provincetown Rescue Squad for its quick responses and wonderful care given to our brother.
Interment in the family plot and a remembrance gathering of friends and family will be held in the spring.