Donald H. Spears

Donald Hardy Spears died on Saturday, May 27, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He chose to spend his final days at home surrounded by family. He joins his parents, Joseph M. and Mildred R. (Hardy) Spears, and brother Joseph M. Spears. He is survived by older sister Eleanor Dove, and two younger sisters, Muriel Tinsley, and Shirley Mayo. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 16, 1921, Donald grew up nearby in Rumford and spent most of his adult life living in Narragansett, R.I. with his wife and children. Donald attended East Providence High School and received training at Hampton Institute. Donald was a Naval veteran of World War II and received the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged as an Electrician’s Mate First Class, USNR in 1946. He re-enlisted and served in the Korean War. Donald was aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp, when it collided with the Hobson, a destroyer escorter, during a training exercise on April 26, 1952. Donald learned to cook during his time in the service and later worked as a chef at the Providence Art Club. Married to Gloria H. Spears, the couple celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on January 26, 2013, just days before she passed away. Donald was the proud father of three children, daughters Linda Susan Spears and Sylvia Carolle Spears both of Boston and Narragansett, and son David Hill Spears of Narragansett. He was equally proud of his grandchildren Nicole Michelle Minetti and Asa John Peters. Donald was employed as an electrical test engineer and worked on nuclear submarines at Electric Boat for more than 30 years. His love of the sea and sea vessels continued throughout his life. As an avid boater, he captained several cabin cruisers named Sylinglo, after his wife and daughters. From his youth Donald loved classic cars including the 1956 Thunderbird that he purchased new and later restored. Donald took art courses at the Rhode Island School of Design and the University of Rhode Island where he sharpened skills as a painter and sculptor. Donald was a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribal Nation. Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, June 2nd from 5:00 -7:00p.m. at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, RI (401-783-7271). Funeral services will be held at Avery-Storti Funeral Home on Saturday, June 3rd at 9:30am. A private burial will follow.