Jeff Spear Obituary

Jeff T. Spear
1949 - 2024
Jeff Spear passed away peacefully at home, Monday, July 22, 2024, after a brief illness.
Born in 1949 in Binghamton, NY, Jeff was the son of Rowena Spear and Robert W. Spear. Jeff studied at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and went on to live a multifaceted and fulfilling life of service.
In his early years, Jeff served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). He was a decorated Vietnam Purple Heart veteran who returned home and rose the ranks in business, serving as the owner and president of John C. Otto Printing Company for many years.
Jeff was a lifelong leader in the community. He played an indelible part in the success of the Capital Campaign for the Scantic Valley YMCA, spearheaded the completion of the Spear Youth and Family Center at the YMCA, and was the driving force behind the addition of a spacious pavilion and Amish Barn at the Stony Brook Acres YMCA Youth Camp.
Jeff had depth and soul. One part loud boisterous storyteller, the other, a reserved, inveterate putterer. He perpetually had a project. From restoring a Ford Model A, to rebuilding a classic 1960 BMW motorcycle, to the masterful renovation of a 10' Cape Dory Dinghy named Duke.
Jeff's connection to the ocean was deep and unwavering. He was an avid sailor, who, when he wasn't sailing, was trolling in a skiff clamming and lobstering. Jeff was Commodore of the Cuttyhunk Yacht Club from 1988-1992, where he taught his daughters along with the other Cuttyhunk children to sail.
Jeff lived for those he loved most. He built a life together with his wife Gail, living in different places including Northampton, Wilbraham, St John USVI, Cuttyhunk Island and Martha's Vineyard. Jeff encouraged his daughters to spend summers enjoying nature and living on Cuttyhunk. He and the family lived aboard their sailboat Shibumi, right in the harbor. Jeff is predeceased by his two daughters, Amy and Alison, and wife Gail Williams Spear. It was ever-so-clear that he continued to live for and honor 'his girls,' and that they lived on within him throughout his life.
A friend to many, he was a cherished member of all the communities he lived in, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and vision in helping future generations succeed. He led the way for the Spear Memorial Field at Minnechaug Regional High School, dedicated to the living memory of his daughters Amy and Alison, in the hope that young athletes could be inspired by love of sport and team spirit. He played a part in the renovation of The St. John School, St John, USVI and purchased books for the children who attended.
While on Martha's Vineyard, he was a volunteer at the Island Food Pantry and the Martha's Vineyard Seafood Collaborative. He also delivered meals for Meals on Wheels sponsored by the Elderly Services of Cape Cod Martha's Vineyard office. Jeff was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven for five years. His generosity led to the renovation of a playground and the creation of the amphitheater in memory of his wife and daughters.
Jeff is also predeceased by his sister Marsha Spear, brother Robert W. Spear Jr, his Mother Rowena Spear and Father Robert W. Spear. He is survived by his brothers Paul E. Spear of Florida, Matthew G. Spear of MA, and Barry V. Spear of VT; his nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Ruby.
Jeff's impact will be forever felt in the form of kindness and love, courage and compassion, humor and inspiration, and joy and faith. Mother Teresa once said, "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." Jeff will be remembered as a drop in the ocean who buoyantly lifted the lives of so many.
May his memory ebb and flow forever, inviting others to follow in his wake.
There will be a private graveside service to celebrate Jeff's life.
Donations can be made in his memory to Martha's Vineyard Seafood Collaborative, 56 Basin Road, Chilmark, MA 02535.