Donald Stephen Spinney Sr.

Berwick, ME- Donald Spinney, 69, of Berwick, ME, joined his beloved Kathy in eternity on 6/30/26. He exited quietly, having lived boldly and loudly, at home with family by his side. He fought courageously, hilariously, and with positivity to his last moments. Born 02/26/57 To Frances and Donald Spinney, he grew up in Lynn, MA with his sisters Susan and Alyson, and his brother Daniel. He graduated from Lynn Classical High School, where he met Kathy O’Brien, who later would become his wife and “The love of my &$&$ life.” Together they raised their grandson, Samuel Spinney, at “The Flatlander Retreat” in Berwick, ME. Donny centered his life around his family, raising a clan of 9 “Spinney kids” with his first wife, Sandi, in Salisbury, MA, and then being an amazing Grampy to 26 grandchildren and 11 great grands! He was “Grampy with the tape measure” after a lifetime of working in carpentry and building, having owned his own contractor business and later working for Stairdesign in Amesbury, MA. He was a craftsman, through and through. But he was most proud to have been a firefighter on the Salisbury, MA Fire Department in the 80’s, continuing his relationship with them and other departments through his life. Despite growing up in the city, Donny grew a love for the outdoors- hunting, fishing, camping- from spending summers in Maine with cousins. As a second-generation Eagle Scout, he gave his time to the Boy Scouts first for his sons, then his grandson Sam, and even continued on teaching knot tying and knife safety to the Berwick Pack. His compass skills didn’t help the night he was lost in the woods out camping with his second wife, Debbie, but he did survive and emerge the next morning! He was also a talented musician- playing guitar and harmonica as a Boy Scout, and at home with his son, Rob. Donny didn’t just make friends, he made family, everywhere he went. And once you’re family, you’re family forever. He and Kathy became the anchor that brought the kids together again for an annual Spinnsgiving, as well as annual smelt fishing trips (aka Flatlander Adventures) with anyone who was ever family invited. If he met you there once, you were family and even got himself invited to someone’s wedding on the ice. He was loyal, steady, and always there to help with whatever was needed. If he couldn’t do it, he’d say “I’ve got a guy for that.” He is survived by his brother Daniel (Maureen) Spinney of MA, sister Susan Snow of MA, children Robert (Christina) Landry of NH, Dawn DesRoches of FL, Tabitha Ralston of MA, Heidi (Dana) Underwood of ME, Katie (Michael) Cox of FL, Stephen (Forrest) Spinney of WA, Barrie (Amanda) Spinney of NH, and James (April) Spinney of MA, grandson Samuel of ME and MA, his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins and the family members he chose. He was greeted on the other side by his parents, sister Alyson, wife Kathy, first wife Sandi, daughter April, nephew Tyler, grandchildren Jason, Meghan, and Nick, and his Super-Dog Chloe. The family extends a special thanks to Wentworth-Douglass, Dover Rehab, and Wentworth Home Health for the incredible care they provided. A celebration of the lives and love of Donny and Kathy will be held at their home, “The Flatlander Retreat”, 326 Pine Hill Rd in Berwick, ME on Saturday, Sept 26, 2026, 11am-2pm. Bring a chair, a drink, and your memories and photos to share!

Donald Stephen Spinney Sr.

February 26, 1957 - June 30, 2026