Edward Spindell

DATELINE: Providence

Spindell, Dr. Edward, 87, died Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center. He was the beloved husband of Judith (Kay) Spindell of Providence.  They were married for 31 years.  Born in Providence, a son of the late Simon and Jeanette (Sokol) Spindell and brother of the late Dr. Lloyd Spindell, he was a lifelong Providence resident.  Dr. Spindell was a summa cum laude graduate of Classical High School and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Brown University. In 1953, he received his M.D. degree from Boston University, eventually becoming Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery. From1955 to 1957, he served as Captain in the U.S. Air Force at Chanute AFB in Illinois. Returning to Providence, Dr. Spindell began a private practice that covered a span of nearly 40 years. During this time, he was a Senior Attending Physician at Miriam, Rhode Island, Memorial, and Roger Williams Hospitals. He became Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Miriam Hospital from 1992 to 1997. Before retiring, he was honored by an evening of recognition for his many years of service to the hospital. A member of Temple Beth-El for over 50 years, Dr. Spindell served on the Temple Board and was Chairman of the Religious School Committee. He also served as President of the Bureau of Jewish Education from 1994 to 1997. He leaves his loving children, Marcia Spindell and her husband, Jonathan Lentz, Ahvi Spindell and his wife, Jane Gabbert, and Stephen Spindell and his former wife, Blanche; grandchildren: Joshua and Aaron Lentz and Jessica Spindell and Simon Spindell. He also leaves step-children, Dr. Faith Tobias, Chaim Cohen and his wife, Michal, Julie Corwin, and Pamela Greiner; step-grandchildren: Yonah, Shira and Yair Cohen, and Mason and Kaden Tobias, all of whom were dear to his heart. He will be fondly remembered by his friends and patients, and held in cherished memory by his family. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Holocaust Resource and Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.  Shiva will be observed at 59 Emeline St., Providence, Friday 2-4, Saturday 7-9, and Sunday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  Shiva will continue Monday and Tuesday 1-5 & 7-9 p.m. at Marcia Spindell’s house, 852 Hope St., Providence.

11 Comments

  1. Karen fink
    Jun 25, 2015

    Marcia Jon and family
    so sorry to learn of your loss. May your fond memories of your late father comfort you.

    • Stevenlarrykaye
      Apr 24, 2018

      Great doctor kind considerate outstanding member of Temple Bethel truly missed

  2. Pamela Rohland, Barry Levin
    Jun 25, 2015

    For Judy, Marcia, Avi, Steven and your families: Our hearts go out to you at this deeply felt loss of your husband and father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all. Pamela Rohland and Barry Levin

  3. Judith Savage
    Jun 25, 2015

    Marcia & Family ,Iam so very sorry to read about Dr.Spinny’s passing,he was a very wonderful and compassionate person.I will remenber with great fondness.May he rest in peace.

  4. Ruth Mullen
    Jun 25, 2015

    Our heartfelt condolences to the Spindell family on the passing of a truly memorable and respected man, a thoughtful human being who was a real presence wherever he was. We’re all better off for having known him.

  5. Cherie Conway
    Jun 25, 2015

    So grateful to have a tiny slice of Ed Spindell in my life through his daughter-in-law, Jane Gabbert, my sister. To be in Ed!s presence was to feel his generous, elegant engaged Spirit. My deepest condolences to to his Family and Friends.

  6. Susan Dworkin
    Jun 28, 2015

    He was a charming, erudite person with amazing skills, a family man, a scholar and a healer and such a sunny spirit. It was a real pleasure and honor to have met him on wonderful happy occasions. I send condolences to my dear friends Ahvi, Jane and Simon and to all Ed’s family. May his memory be for a blessing.

  7. Patrick Keough
    Jun 29, 2015

    My Deepest Condolences in the Loss of a Very Special Person in My Life, Dr. Spindell was my Surgeon for many years until he retired. I have never known another person who was as Caring and Dedicated to His Patients as Dr Spindell. He will be Deeply Missed

  8. stan gnys
    Oct 4, 2019

    Your Dad was my orthopedic Doctor in mid 1960′s. He set and healed my leg but the expectation was i would never do some things due to the type of fracture. He did a great job and i was determined to walk all the way, i got home picked up a good branch and took several hours to walk around the block. He was kind to me during my long Hospital admittance. I joined the service and became a Navy S.E.A.L. and retired as same. I did my dream as a 3 yr old had hoped for, against the odds and i wanted to say thanks Doc and i am sorry to find that you passed away. May GOD watch over you. I know i am late with this condolence but time can never erase the good someone does.

  9. Dr Robert Spindell
    Sep 25, 2023

    Sorry for loss and that I was not able to reach back out to Edward before his passing? We spoke one time a few years before his passing due to our common name…and professions?
    I discovered Edward while On Line renewing my Massachusetts Medical License?
    I have extensive Geniology info on the Spindell Family dating back to 17th Century. Edward had wanted me to send copies which sadly I never accomplished the task?
    Any surviving family member who has interest should feel free to reach out to me for further info?

  10. Thom D.
    Dec 20, 2023

    In 1964, I injured my arm very badly, to the point where the back of my elbow was facing forwards. I had broken my clavicle, humerus, ulna, radius, and a bone in my wrist. When my father was walking me into Miriam Hospital, a young doctor, who was walking another patient out, and with his brief case in hand and ready to head home, took one look at me, walked over, and said to my father “I think you are going to need me.” The initial prognosis was that I might never regain full, or perhaps even partial use of the arm again. Dr. Spindell was one of the most humble, caring servants to the medical profession I have ever met. Every time I saw him over that long summer, he was kind and careful to not raise expectations to us. However, one day at an appointment he had me move my hand and fingers in a certain way, then he smiled and said “I think you’re going to do very well.” Cast off, and here, 60 years later I am typing this with both hands, my arm is fine, and I have never forgotten Dr. Spindell. I don’t know what force in the universe drew us together in that moment, but I know there was something working to bring us together. I have never forgotten his kindness, caring, gentle manner. There are still days I just move my arm around, and I think of how fortunate I am that Dr. Spindell and I crossed paths on that early summer evening. Dr. Spindell will be missed dearly.

Leave a Reply to Patrick Keough Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*