September 19, 1938 – March 1, 2026
Newt Spurr of Rockport, Massachusetts, passed away on March 1. Son of Winfred and Ruth Spurr, he grew up in Reading, MA, graduated from Reading Memorial High School, Class of 1956, and Bowdoin College, Class of 1961. Directly after college graduation, he married his high-school sweetheart and best friend, Judy (née Judith Hogan). Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, he attended Officer Training School at Ft Benning, Georgia, and the Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, Baltimore, Maryland.
Newt cherished his family and loved to play golf. He enjoyed time with good friends and loved teaching his four children – Kathi, Michael, Tim, and Brad – how to throw a ball, any ball. The family spent many winters skiing and summers camping. Newt never missed a school or sporting event.
Following his service, Newt became a CPA, worked at Ernst and Ernst in Boston, and subsequently opened his own accounting practice in Reading. He was a member of Reading Rotary, where he served as treasurer for many years and was honored as a Paul Harris fellow several times. His children, Kathi and Michael, became partners in his practice. Additionally, Newt and his friend, Peter Bergholtz, took over the Spurr family business, The Ace Art Co. The Ace Art photo corners were invented by Newt’s great uncle, Lester Riley, in the 1920’s. Newt and Peter also launched a new company, Ken-Bar Inc., which produced equipment for the agricultural market.
With family grown and out on their own, Newt and Judy moved to Rockport. A member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, Newt was the treasurer for eight years. Their four grandchildren – Ryan, Asher, Michaela, and Cameron – brought more joy to the family. Each summer, their home was filled with family and friends, laughter, cook-outs, and trips to the beach.
Along with Judy, he is survived by his children: Kathi Spurr of Beverly, MA, Michael Spurr of Reading, MA, Tim Spurr and his wife Julie of London, UK, and Brad Spurr and his fiancée Justin Phalinchah of San Francisco, CA. and his grandchildren Ryan of Austin TX, Asher of Denver, CO, Michaela of Cambridge, MA, and Cameron of New York NY, Newt leaves behind his beloved sister Wendy.
A memorial service will be held for Newt later this spring.
Donations may be made in Newt’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Diabetes Association, or Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport.
Newt’s services are under the care of The Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, Reading. www.douglassfuneralhome.com
