Richard "Dick" Spinney

Richard (Dick) Spinney, 94, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 5, 2024, at his son’s home with family by his side. Richard was born on August 3, 1929, in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Marion (Simpson) Spinney and Frederick E. Spinney. After high school, Dick assisted on the Louis B. DeRochemont movie productions along with helping his dad on the Spinney Farm. Soon thereafter, he married his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara June (Trombly) Spinney and together they lovingly raised two children. Dick and Barbara were separated for 2 years during Dick’s service with the Armored Tank Battalion at Fort Hood Texas during the Korean conflict from 1953 through 1955. Dick’s journey with farming began when his dad Fred purchased the Spinney Farm in 1938 after moving off the homestead where the Pease Air Force Base is now located. He and his dad started out with a modest herd of 15 cows. Ultimately, the herd grew to 160 Holsteins. They sold milk to Badger Farm’s, Hood, and Agri-Mark Co-Op. Dick took charge of the operation in the early 70’s with his sons Bob and Paul. Together, they ran the farm until Dick retired from dairy farming in 1986. During his retirement, being the farmer that he was, he switched to putting his attention into raising a small number of beef cattle and continued harvesting hay right up through this past summer. Dick was a charter member of the Newington Volunteer Fire Department and rose to the rank of Assistant Chief and was a long time NH Forest Fire Warden. He served on many town boards over the years and was a proud member of the Newington Congregational Church where he served as Deacon for many years and was a 77-year member of the Saint Andrews Masonic Lodge in Portsmouth, NH. As a lifelong resident of Newington, Dick loved visits with many Newington neighbors and relatives over the years and always had a kind word for them. He will be remembered by the many boys and girls who helped with haying throughout the summer seasons. Dick is survived by his sons Robert Spinney and his wife Cheryl and Paul Spinney and his wife Rosemary, of Newington, NH. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Danielle Petlick and husband Michael; Tiffany Spinney and companion Timothy Colby; Holly Spinney and companion David Nanos; Laura Anderson and husband Chris; Samantha Boston and husband Jeremy; and Robby Spinney. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Noah Spinney Hernandez, Madison Anderson, Zuri Petlick, Mason Anderson, Isla Petlick, and Brynley Boston. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara Spinney and brother, Clifford Spinney. Dick had a kind heart and will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. His legacy will be remembered forever in Newington. The family would like to acknowledge the team of caregivers at Beacon Hospice for all their fine assistance with the care of Dick Spinney. The family would welcome a donation to the Newington Congregational Church or Beacon Hospice Care by clicking here Services will be held on June 1st at 11:00 a.m. at the Newington Congregational Church, 316 Nimble Hill Road, Newington, with burial at the Newington Town Cemetery and a reception to follow at the Newington Town Hall, 205 Nimble Hill Road, Newington, NH.

Richard "Dick" Spinney

August 3, 1929 - May 5, 2024