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DAVID SPINNEY Obituary

SPINNEY, David Of Roslindale formerly of Somerville passed away on September 4, 2017. David was a lifelong Quaker and activist for peace and social justice. Upon graduation from Harvard he registered for the draft as a conscientious objector and performed 24 months of alternative service on agricultural and construction projects in rural Mexico. At the American Friends Service Committee David was involved in prison reform, antiwar activities and organized local support for the California Farm Workers movement. Well into his seventies he remained committed to the idea that we need to, "show up" if we believe in the making of a better world. He was a daily participant in the Occupy Movement spending a night in jail at the end of the demonstration. With his usual understanding of "the other guy's shoes," he complimented the Boston Police for their professionalism in the handling of the demonstrators. He was also an active member of Veterans for Peace and took great pleasure in marching with them in many parades. David had a long and fulfilling career as an addictions counselor in the Cambridge Health Alliance Hospitals and was a member of AA for 38 years. Even into his retirement, he would be met on the street by former patients who expressed gratitude at still being sober. He was an avid runner and an accomplished chess player. However, his greatest joy was family and friends. His years of sobriety spent with, as he put it, "the love of my life" Evelyn Riesenberg, were filled with laughter and daily adventure. He was a loving parent and took great pride and joy in his grandchildren. David filled a very large place in his family's life, who will miss him always. Beloved partner of Evelyn Riesenberg. Devoted father of Caleb D. Spinney of Kennewick, WA., Peter Riesenberg and Adele Riesenberg both of Roslindale and Frederick Riesenberg of West Roxbury. Loving grandfather of Michael Watson, Kasen E. Spinney, and Grant C. Spinney. Also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held in the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury on Saturday, Sept. 9th from 3-6pm. Followed by a funeral service beginning at 6pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans for Peace, American Friends Service Committee or the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. For online guestbook pemurrayfuneral.com. P.E. Murray - F.J. Higgins George F. Doherty & Sons West Roxbury 617 325 2000

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Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 5 to Sep. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID SPINNEY

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5 Entries

Bruce Macdonald

September 12, 2017

I will miss David's smile and good cheer at meetings and events of the Smedley Butler Brigade of Veterans For Peace, where he was a valued member. As we say when we lose a brother or sister: Presente!

Ray Kelley

September 9, 2017

Dear Evelyn, Family: I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of my good friend David Spinney. His work for Farm Workers, Prison Reform and Addictions Treatment and Education personified the efforts of Chavez and Lou Brin. Dave was caring and full of laughter and always teaching. I consider Dave a mentor and good friend. I will miss him much! Ray /Ruth Kelley

Teresa Spinney

September 8, 2017

David will be dearly missed and words can't do it justice. David was an amazing father in law and a wonderful grandfather. We will treasure our many memories of him and Evelyn and our trips to the Cape forever. He will stay with us forever in our hearts.

Allison Stieber

September 7, 2017

Evelyn, please accept my condolences on the loss of Dave, who was my neighbor for many years in Somerville. He was kind enough to let me park on his blacktop during the wintertime as needed because I had no off-street space. I had an exchange of holiday cards with him the first year after he moved but didn't hear back from him last year and wondered at the time if something was amiss as I knew he had some health issues. Dave was a very fine person; it was a privilege to know him.

September 7, 2017

thinking of you Dave,my old partner on 5c.


Bernie Carty

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Memorial Events
for DAVID SPINNEY

Sep

9

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - West Roxbury

2000 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

Sep

9

Funeral service

6:00 p.m.

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - West Roxbury

2000 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

Funeral services provided by:

George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home - West Roxbury

2000 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

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