Dr. John E. Spence, Sr.

Dr. John E. Spence Sr., 89, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Elderwood at Scallop Shell. He was the beloved husband of Annie A. (Thurston) Spence for 66 years.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late James W. and Ivy (Isherwood) Spence.

Dr. Spence received his Master’s & PhD degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and dedicated his career to the University of Rhode Island from 1962 to 1994. Upon retirement, he embraced his passion for boating, proudly becoming the captain of his ship. As a devoted snowbird, John and Annie spent their winters on Pine Island, Florida, and summers in Narragansett, where they enjoyed many trips along the Intracoastal Waterway and spent several months cruising the five Great Lakes.

An accomplished boater, John found his greatest joy on the water. He was an honorary member of the Pt. Judith Yacht Club, where he also served as commodore during 1983-84. John and Annie were founders of the Little Rest Chapter of Sweet Adelines, he was the director and he enjoyed being a member of the Narragansett Bay Chorus.

He is survived by his wife, Annie; his children: Kathy L. Gardner, John (Jack) E. Spence Jr., and David R. Spence and his wife Jessica; grandchildren: Hannah E. Jandreau and her husband Kevin, Ian T. Gardner, and Lily M. Spence; great-grandchild, Forrest W. Jandreau; and brother, Dr. Benjamin Spence and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his grandson Cole J. Spence.

Dr. Spence will be remembered for his dedication to teaching electrical engineering, his love for singing and playing the piano. Sharing the enjoyment of boating while taking family and friends for a cruise on the cleverly named X-Spence.

The memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salt Ponds Coalition, PO Box 875, Charlestown, RI 02813.