Clinton H. Springer passed peacefully at his home in New Castle NH on February 5, 2019, just short of his 94th birthday.
Clint was born on February 18, 1925 in New Haven CT, the son of Marion (Sherman) Springer and Franklin H. Springer. He started school in Reading MA shortly before the family moved back to Providence RI where he graduated from Classical High School in 1942. After a semester at Brown University, he transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a member of the U.S. Navy in the V-12 program. He graduated in 1945 with a B.S. in naval architecture. He was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center at the conclusion of the World War II.
After the war, he was employed as an engineer at Firemen’s Mutual Insurance Company.
Clint was called back into the Navy during the Korean Conflict, posted at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This was when he met the love of his life, Francesca Judkins. They were married in 1952 and established their first home in New Castle.
After his military service ended, Clint and Fran moved to Tarrytown NY and he resumed his employment with Fireman’s in Manhattan. After a couple of years, they moved to Stamford CT where their three children started school and where they were active in school, church and civic organizations.
Clint, Fran and their three teenagers returned to New Castle in 1971. Clint continued to work for the successor to Fireman’s first in Boston and then in Johnston, RI. While he started as an engineer nobody who knew him would be surprised to learn that his true talent was in sales, and he retired from what was then Allendale Mutual Insurance Company as the vice president of sales with worldwide scope in 1987.
Clint made lasting friendships in all areas of his life, both in the U.S. and in Europe. He and Fran developed a love for travel and have made many trips abroad since his retirement.
His activities with The Corinthians expanded his sailing world. Clint made many new sailing friends both American and British. He began regular trips to the UK where he enjoyed sailing. He became a member of the Little Ship Club whose British membership is similar to The Corinthians. He was looking forward to seeing his British friends again in a few weeks.
Clint served on several town boards including nine years on the New Castle Board of Selectmen.
He was a contributor and board member of the Warner House Museum in Portsmouth.
Clint is survived by Fran, his wife of 66 years, his 3 children, Curt Springer, Betsy Springer and her husband Larry Schembri, Jon Springer and his wife Karen, 4 grandchildren, Joanna and Frankie Schembri and Cam and Alicia Springer, 5 nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his parents and by his sister, Janet Anne Springer.
SERVICES: Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at J. Verne Wood Funeral Home -Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad Street, Portsmouth NH on Friday February 15 from 4-7 PM. A memorial service will take place at the New Castle Congregational Church, 65 Main Street, New Castle NH on Saturday February 16 at 11 AM. At Clint’s request, interment with military honors will be scheduled in the summer to be able to include relatives and friends who cannot participate at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Castle Congregational Church, PO Box 395 New Castle NH 03854. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel.
