Frederick Augustus Spear

Fred was born Dec. 26, 1923 in Methuen, Mass., to Isabella and Frederick Spear. After graduating from Edward F. Searl's High School in Methuen and attending Camp Lawrence on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire each summer, he attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he earned his bachelor's degree. His education was interrupted with by a three-year term in the Army during World War II, where he spent most of his time stationed in Antwerp, Belgium, as a cryptographer.

Fred continued his education at Harvard University, where he earned his master's degree.

Fred began his teaching career at Union College in Schenectady and then taught at Wesleyan in Middletown, Conn. He returned to school and earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University, in New York City, before taking a teaching position at Brown University in Providence, RI.

In 1959, Fred won a Fulbright grant to study in Paris. Fred's career then took him to the language department at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where he taught French. He and his wife, Phyllis, spent the next 36 years in Saratoga enjoying many academic and cultural activities with numerous good friends. Throughout his career, Fred had a passion for researching and writing bibliographies on two of his favorite French philosophers, Voltaire and Diderot. His research took him through much of Eastern and Western Europe. Fred had a keen interest in 18th century studies and was an active member of the American Friends of Lafayette. Fred also took great joy in dog-sitting for Nicodemus, Ralph, Chamois and Jack Rabbit Johansen.

Fred and Phyllis spent their latter years on Swains Pond in Barrington, N.H., and at their beach home in Salisbury, Mass. He was a member of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church in Newburyport, Mass. and the First Congregational Society Unitarian Church in Hampton Falls, N.H.

He was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Wilfred "Woody" Langlois; his sister-in-law, Priscilla, and her husband, Daniel J. Redhouse.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Phyllis (Warburton) Spear; his daughter Priscilla and husband, Robert Toth, of Saratoga Springs; and his son, Frederick S. Spear of Princeton, W. Va. He also leaves a niece, Phyllis, and her husband, Richard Lanzillo, of Winchester, Mass., and a nephew, Daniel J. and his wife, Margaret Redhouse, of Lee, N.H.

A memorial service will be held in the spring and will be announced at a later date.
Donations in Fred's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter, 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany NY 12206, or to the charitable organization of one's choice.

To send an online condolence, go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, Mass.

Members of the Catholic Daughters will meet at 4:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 11) at the funeral home for services.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12206.