Richard F. Spindler, Sr. – 92, a lifelong resident of North Reading passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, after a brief illness. Known as Dad, Pa and Uncle Dick to his family and friends, his joy in living life to the fullest was contagious to all he met.

Dick’s North Reading roots run deep. He was born in North Reading, graduated from Reading High School in 1949, and spent his entire career in North Reading. It was here that he met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Joyce C. Perkins. They were married in April 1954.

The couple built their first home in North Reading and began raising a family. When the family grew to 7 children, they built a new home in North Reading to accommodate the growing family.

Richard began his career at the North Reading Public Works in 1950 and devoted his whole working life to serving the town. He worked through numerous positions before becoming the Director of Public Works. The North Reading Public Works Garage is currently named in his honor.

While work was important to him, so was vacation time. He and Joyce vacationed with the family at Hampton Beach, the Cape, Ocean City, NJ and spent several years summering at Lake Winnipesaukee. In addition, he and Joyce traveled to many places around the country including Las Vegas, California and Hawaii with her Century 21 business.

Some of the things he loved most in addition to his family were his dog Barney who would ride shotgun with him everywhere he went, floating in the pool listening to country music, dancing, Mai Tais, sports and golf.

Richard was an avid Bruins fan, Red Sox fan and to say he was a Patriots fan would be an understatement. Nothing could interfere with game time and he could spew football facts and figures that would amaze us. Sunday dinners were suspended because he only had a limited time to eat during half time.

He took up golf as a hobby and became quite good at it. He was a member at Andover Country Club for many years.

It was golf that led him to start going to Florida during the winter months to escape from the cold and where he and Joyce eventually built a second home in Fort Myers.

He loved meeting new golfers who underestimated him as he would skillfully take their bets and flash his winnings around for everyone to see. He was the proud owner of 3 holes in one on the same hole at Colonial Country Club. It was his joy of golf that was contagious and made people drawn to him.

In addition to his wife Joyce, Richard leaves his children Sheryl Spindler of Malvern, PA, Jeanne Spindler of Tewksbury, Terri Antonio of Tewksbury, Lori Spindler Brooks and her husband Jim of Pelham NH, Mary Beth Spindler and her partner Lynn Garceau of Haverhill, and Richard Spindler Jr. and his wife Amy of North Reading. Lisa Spindler predeceased him. He also leaves nine grandchildren, Justin Antonio, Robert Harris, Jr., Stephen Harris, Lucas Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Madison and Payton Pearce, PJ and Samuel Brooks, and seven great grandchildren, Jeremy and Gianna Antonio, Charlie Harris, Kinsley Johnson, Riley and Adrienne DeMatte and Eli Brooks.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, October 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His Funeral will be held from the Funeral Home on Monday, October 16 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to MSPCA at Nevins Farm located at 400 Broadway, Methuen MA 01844. www.croswellfuneralhome.com