Deceased November 14, 2021
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In Memory
Cap was born in Providence, R.I., and attended The Gordon School, Providence Country Day School and Deerfield Academy. Early interruption of college by four years of service in the Navy—in Newport and Boston and on a destroyer—led to his return to Amherst and his graduation in 1957 with a major in biology. A Narragansett Bay sailing champion before, during and after college, Cap was a member of the Sailing Club, the College Athletic Association and Chi Psi. Despite his short time with 1953, he had close friends with whom he stayed in touch, especially John Kunz ’53.
At the University of Rhode Island, where he met his future wife, Sara “Sally” Gifford Petty, he earned a master’s degree in marine biology, leading to a 22-year career teaching biology and chemistry and coaching tennis at Providence Country Day. In retirement, he volunteered as a coordinator and instructor with the Commerce Department’s Marine Recreational Information Program in southern New England.
A move to Middlebury, Vt., to be closer to family also enabled Cap to watch the college’s athletics, to volunteer at the Open Door Clinic and the county Humane Society, and to attend St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Cap loved music, playing the bagpipes and singing in an interfaith choir. But he was never happier than when sailing, whether cruising with the family, skippering a big race or crewing on a friend’s boat. He delighted in the tactical challenges and camaraderie of racing and a Sea Sprite with well-trimmed sails. A longtime member of the Bristol Yacht Club and supporter of Save The Bay, he enjoyed acting as a patient sailing instructor and clam-digging guide for his grandchildren.
Spofford died on Nov. 14, leaving his wife, Sally; daughters Jennifer (John) and Elizabeth (Thomas); son Charles (Margaret); and six grandchildren.
The Woodruff family, Buck Greenough ’53 (husband of predeceased sister Jane) and George Edmonds ’53