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Stephen Springer Obituary
76, of Lee Ann Drive, Barrington, died peacefully on March 26, 2021 at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA after a courageous 8 month battle with stomach cancer. He was the beloved husband of Virginia M. McGinn.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Harold and Lily (Gaskell) Springer, he lived in Barrington for 10 years previously residing in Chepachet.
Mr. Springer was a Police Officer for the Providence Police Department for 35 years before retiring as a Detective. He then joined the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General as an Inspector from 2004-2017. He received numerous awards during his career, including the Medal of Valor (1984), The Rhode Island Justice Assistance "Neil Houston Award" (2001) and Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame (2018).
He was a member of the Fraternal Order Police and Hopkinton Country Club. A renaissance man, he could restore antique cars and bicycles, craft beautiful woodwork and recount fascinating stories from decades earlier with a remarkable recall for details. He was a voracious reader of World War II history, a surprisingly gifted poet and loving "dad" to Springerdoodle Darcy.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two sisters, Nancy Ellen Russen (Herbert) of Cranston and Phyllis Ventura (David) of Tiverton and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Harold "Buddy" Springer.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours on Thursday morning April 1, 2021 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Stephen's memory to Rhode Island Justice Assistance, 943 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910 would be deeply appreciated. For online condolences please visit wrwatsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Springer
Sponsored by W.R. Watson Funeral Home.
Genevieve Martin
November 10, 2021
I am so very sorry to hear of Steve's death. I hope that the many happy memories you shared with him bring you comfort and peace in time.
Dr.and Mrs.William Van Haaren.
July 5, 2021
Dear Gigi.
We were so sad to hear about your dear husbands passing.
May you find strength in the love of family and in the warmth
embrace of friends.
Please except our deepest sympathy.
Bill and Jane Van Haaren.
Jennie Gaul
April 14, 2021
May you rest in eternal peace Say hello to my husband and two sons.
Bill cain
March 31, 2021
I've been writing alot of these lately my dad was james cain ppd he worked very closely with the detective s on many cases he also had a remarkable memory for detail like stephen iknow my dad would be writing something in honor of his fallen friend. Sorry for your loss so many have passed .God bless, the cain family
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Bill McDonald
March 31, 2021
Had the pleasure and honor of knowing and working with Steve on many Warwick cases that transitioned into Providenece suspects that resided there. Steve was truly a well respected investigator. A Cops-Cop. Rest In Peace. My prayers to his entire family along with my brothers and sisters of the PPD. Bill McDonald- WPD-Retired
Janet Maddox
March 31, 2021
My heart is broken to here of Stephen’s passing. He was a very good friend for over 40yrs. RIP my dear friend. Janet Maddox
Maryann Osediacz
March 30, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember our morning chats in the office. Always a gentleman and dedicated worker. God bless you. Rest in peace.
Albert E. Norato, Jr., Esq. (former SGT. PPD)
March 30, 2021
Always a gentleman, always a professional, dedicated to making this a better planet. It was an honor to be affiliated with him. It is said that he made the department one to be respected and this was true. His actions in Washington Park in 1984 saved an officer and taught us what heroism looks and acts like. Thank you for all of your years of service and in educating and training those who came after you. My sincerest condolences to your immediate family as well as your law enforcement family. May God grant you eternal peace. St. Michael, patron saint of law enforcement, please lead Steven into God's loving hands.
Jerry
March 30, 2021
My Deepest Sympathy on Steve's Passing to all his family.I worked in Prov.P.D.and know what a Brilliant Officerand Friend he was.God BlessHim.Jerry Walsh RetP.P.D.Jerry WAlsh.
Ronni and Al Lake
March 30, 2021
My condolences go out to the family. We used to sit at Lees chatting for hours. He was a great guy and will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all. RIP Steve
Trish Coyne-Fague
March 30, 2021
RI lost one of the good guys. Rest In peace.
dean
March 30, 2021
Steve i am sorry i had the pleasure of meeting Steve when i was a security guard for PSS nice guy and great cop gods speed ...
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