Michael William Spicer

SPICER, MICHAEL WILLIAM
72, of Barrington and Newport, R.I. passed away peacefully on December 1, 2016 at his home in Barrington surrounded by his loving and devoted family, after a long, brave battle against pancreatic cancer. For 47 years, he was married to Kathryn (Grossman) Spicer, who he called an amazing wife and incredible mother to their three children, Sean (Rebecca) of Alexandria, VA; Shannon of Boston, MA; and Ryan (Emma) of Scarsdale, NY. Known as Grampy or Farfar to his four grandchildren, (Rigby, Will, Harry & Bo), he beamed with pride over them and took particular joy in spending time with each of them. He is also survived by his sister, Patsy Spicer Martel, of Marblehead, MA, as well as a large, close-knit extended family, including many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was born in 1944 to Harry and Joanna Spicer in Newport. He attended De La Salle Academy in Newport and matriculated at Stonehill College (MA). He was industrious from an early age, starting work in the boat business rebuilding outboard motors at only 13. He continued to pursue his love for boating after college with a position at Pearson Yachts. He then spent several decades in the yacht business, moving next to C&C Yachts in Middletown, before eventually launching his own yacht brokerage company, New Wave Marketing.
He later went on to own and operate Kauffman Box Company in Providence, and then fourteen years in the financial services industry, most recently at McLean Insurance Agency, a Nationwide office in East Providence. He served the community as a member of the Elks Lodge #1860, located in Bristol. Since 2011, he was also a member of the North American Station of the Royal Scandinavian Yacht Clubs.
His love for the water endured over the years, spending many summer nights sailing and racing with good friends on Narragansett Bay. He was never happier than when surrounded by his family at First or Second Beach and their home in Middletown. Mike particularly savored the "spectacular' sunsets that closed out a beautiful day.
Family and friends will celebrate his remarkable life and inspirational spirit at a Funeral Mass on Monday, December 5th at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol. The family will welcome guests for visitation prior to the Mass, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Howard Safran, Dir. Of Oncology Research c/o The Miriam Hospital Foundation, Box H 64 Summit St. Providence, RI 02901. Or directed toward Howard Safran's research at http://giving.lifespan.org/giving-themiriam. Arrangements are by the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, Riverside.