Sam Spivack, Community Leader in Everett, State Street Bank VP for 37 years
People often would come up to Sam Spivack and say “excuse me, you look very familiar, where do I know you from?” Having lived a life of multiple vocations that rivaled Forrest Gump, Sam would have to respond with a litany of questions such as: “Do you know me from State Street Bank?” “Were you a patron of the Park Theatre in Everett (where he worked for many years as Assistant Manager)?” Or they may have known him from Congregation Tifereth Israel in Everett, where he served as honorary president since he was in his forties and was in charge of the religious services there for over 30 years. Sam died at the age of 78 on Wednesday, July 8th after battling esophageal cancer.
His upbeat and magnetic personality along with his sense of humor was endearing to all who knew him. His clients at State Street were high-profile Boston attorneys from the city’s top law firms--many of them insisted that he remain their “personal banker” even when the bank would attempt to move him to other accounts. His depth of knowledge and innovation in banking processes was recognized with several bank awards over the years.
In Everett, he was a familiar face as the weekend manager at the Park Theatre from the 1940’s through the mid-60’s. Theater regulars became accustomed to his friendly face, warm smile and sense of humor. His knowledge of the theatre business later led him to work in the management of Sumner Redstone’s movie theatres where he delivered financial reports to Mr. Redstone directly as he grew his exhibition business in the 70’s. Over the years, Everett mayors appointed him to various municipal commissions and in 1985 Governor Dukakis appointed him to the Everett Housing Authority, where he served as chairman. Sam was asked to serve as the leader of Everett’s Jewish community while still in his thirties—he served as the youngest president in the 100-year history of Cong. Tifereth Israel and remained very active throughout the years.
He leaves his wife of 55 years, Paula (Brotman), children Earl & Phyllis Spivack of Wakefield and Adele (Spivack) and David Garlick of Northborough. He also leaves five grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held at Torf Funeral Chapel, Chelsea, at noon on Sunday, July 12. Interment will be in Everett. Memorial observance will be Sunday following the interment at Cong. Tifereth Israel Everett, 34 Malden St., Everett. Monday and Tuesday at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Earl Spivack, from 2:00-7:00 PM. Wednesday and Thursday 2:00-7:00 PM and Friday until 2:00 PM at the home of Paula Spivack, Salem, NH. Donations in his memory may be made to Congregation Tifereth Israel of Everett, 34 Malden St., Everett, MA 02149.