Rockport - Newt Spurr of Rockport, MA, passed away on March 1. Son of Winfred and Ruth Spurr, he grew up in Reading, MA, graduated from Reading Memorial High School, Class of 1956 and Bowdoin College, Class of 1961. Directly after college graduation, he married his high-school sweetheart and best friend, Judy, (née Judith Hogan). Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army, he went to Office Training School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, Baltimore, Maryland.

Newt cherished his family and loved to play golf. He enjoyed time with good friends and loved teaching his four children - Kathi, Michael, Tim and Brad - how to throw a ball, any ball. The family spent many winters skiing and summers camping. Newt never missed a school or sporting event.

Following his service, Newt became a CPA, worked at Ernst and Ernst in Boston, and subsequently opened his own accounting practice in Reading. He was a member of Reading Rotary, where he served as treasurer for many years and was honored as a Paul Harris fellow several times. His children, Kathi, and Michael became partners in his practice. Additionally, Newt and his friend, Peter Bergholtz, took over the Spurr family business The Ace Art Co. The Ace Art photo corners were invented by Newt's great uncle, Lester Riley in the 1920's. Newt and Peter also launched a new company together, Ken-Bar Inc., which produced equipment for agricultural markets.

With family grown and out on their own, Newt and Judy moved to Rockport. A member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, Newt was the treasurer for eight years. Their four grandchildren - Ryan, Asher, Michaela and Cameron - brought more joy to the family. Each summer, their home was filled with family and friends, laughter, cook-outs, and trips to the beach.

Along with Judy, he is survived by his children, Kathi Spurr of Beverly, MA, Micheal Spurr of Reading, MA, Tim Spurr and his wife Julie of London UK, and Brad Spurr and his fiance, Justin Phalinchah of San Francisco CA. and his grandchildren Ryan of Austin TX, Asher of Denver, CO, Michaela of Cambridge, MA, and Cameron of New York NY. Newt also leaves behind his beloved sister, Wendy.

A memorial service will be held for Newt later this spring.

Donations may be made in Newt's name to the Parkinson's Foundation, Diabetes Association, or Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport.

Newt's services are under the care of The Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, Reading. www.douglassfuneralhome.com.