Russell Edward Spooner

Rehoboth-- Russell Edward Spooner, 96, of Rehoboth, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at his home. He was born in Attleboro the son of the late Howard Edward Spooner and Gladys Winifred Quimby Spooner. He owned The Enterprise Press, Attleboro, MA for 38 years, was an honor graduate of Attleboro High School in 1941 and apprenticed printing at the Attleboro Sun following. A soldier at heart, he signed up to join the United States Army at 17 and waited a year before being accepted. He fought in 5 major battles of World War II in Northern Europe including Normandy and the Ardennes as a small arms expert and armorer, earning him a Silver Star and several additional medals upon discharge as a Staff Sergeant. He was one of the area's more prolific and successful writers, having won many awards for his poetry and short stories. Over 100 poems, essays and short stories were published in Rhyme Time Poetry, The Candlelight Poetry Journal, Roswell Literary Review, Fireside Friends, Apropos and several others with some used as teaching tools in varied school classrooms. He wrote a column for The Rehoboth Reporter for several years, was a regular contributor to The Sun Chronicle, headed up an online writers forum for Time Warner, led many writers groups and mentored many aspiring writers and poets. His WWII experience with all it entailed stayed with him throughout his life. In 2005 he published a book detailing his role in WWII named 'Seeking Signs of Sanity'. His army experience and willingness to share it was an inspiration to the younger generations. A board member of Boyden Reservoir, Taunton, MA, Winslow Animal Sanctuary, Norton, MA, a member of Friends of The Blanding Library, Rehoboth, MA, American Legion Post 20. He volunteered at Attleboro Public Library teaching adults how to read, various grade school presentations on WWII and poetry, the Rehoboth Museum, Muscles and Minds after school program handling the weekly slot of craft time, a local animal shelter and more. He also held a commercial pilots license and enjoyed giving rides. "It was fun" Spooner said, adding that he had acrobatic training. His favorite plane was The Stearman, an open cockpit biplane formerly used in Military training. He was an avid gardener, maintaining 4 gardens and some years planting 75 varieties of vegetables with some flowers. With a true heart for children and animals, along with a dedication to educate and a beautiful humble spirit which loved and accepted all people, his life was spent taking every opportunity which presented itself in helping on some level. He is survived by a son Russell E Spooner II (wife Kathy) of Collierville, TN and daughter Lorelei R Spooner of Rehoboth; 5 Grandchildren (the late Harry Spooner of Smithfield RI, Melissa Toothaker (husband Scott) of Millville MA, Danielle Coelho of Millville, MA, Ryan Spooner (wife Christina) of Woonsocket, RI, Alexandra Spooner of Boston, MA), 11 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren. One nephew, Keith Jackson (wife Kate) of Attleboro, MA, two nieces, Lynn McCracken (husband Courtney) of Mystic, CT and Sheryl Ercolano (husband Stan) of Westbury, NY along with several great nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Virginia Jackson. A graveside service for Mr. Spooner with Military Honors will be held on Thursday August 19, 2021 at 2pm in the Hillside Cemetery South Main Street RT152, Attleboro. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Please visit his tribute page at www.hathawayfunerals.com or call 508 222-0498 All arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Foley-Cook-Hathaway Funeral Home, 126 South Main Street, Attleboro.