Benjamin A. Spence

Dr. Benjamin Spence died peacefully in Daytona Beach, FL after a short illness at the age of 89. Ben was from Fall River, Massachusetts, one of

nine siblings, and the son of millworkers, originally from England.

Educated in the public schools of Fall River, Ben went on to receive degrees in history, first from Bridgewater State University, and then

advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin. Upon completion of his doctorate, he returned to his alma mater and taught American

history for 34 years. Ben was a master teacher who touched the lives of thousands of students, including many who went on to teach in

Massachusetts school districts. His areas of expertise were the American Progressive Era, and historiography, and these he taught with brilliance

and enthusiasm.

Teaching was not his only love. He found great joy in music, particularly choral singing. From his early childhood, Ben sang with church choirs,

often as a tenor soloist, and continued singing well into his 80s. He also sang with numerous community groups, including the Jubilate Chorale

of Brockton, Massachusetts. Ben and friends frequently traveled to New York City to see operas at the Met. He continued enjoy Met opera

performances “virtually” with friends in Florida.

Upon retirement from Bridgewater State, Ben embarked on a nearly twenty-year research adventure in which he devoted himself to writing a

multi-volume history of the town of Bridgewater. He would be delighted when he located some fact about the town that was likely long forgotten

by most but would be essential for understanding how the town grew over three centuries. He enjoyed relaying the fruits of these research

labors to friends and colleagues.

Ben was devoted to his immediate and extended family and always looked forward to reunions even after he moved to Florida permanently.

Upon his return visits to Massachusetts, he always made time to have lunches or dinners with family, former colleagues, and the wide circle of

friends he acquired over a lifetime. Ben had always been a loyal friend, and often a caregiver. He checked in on older colleagues and friends to

make sure they were OK. He shopped for them, took them to appointments, or simply spent time with them.

Ben leaves a legacy of achievement and warmth; he will be missed by many.

A graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River, Massachusetts, will be announced in the near future.