On the morning of March 1st, 2022, Richard Spoonts passed away at the age of 54.
Richard was born on October 28th, 1967, in Temple, Texas. He graduated from Harvard in 1990, and then received a law degree from Georgetown in 2013. He also studied education at Boston University from 1997-98.
Richard had a passion for board games and puzzles, and formed many lasting and enduring friendships within these gaming communities. A cinephile through and through, his encyclopedic knowledge of film, coupled with fierce and often peculiar opinion, was cherished by many. Wry, filthy, a lover of the strange, Richard could bring a joy of rambunctious living to near any gathering. He also was a wonderful cook and baker, and, especially before the last phase of his long battle with the consequences of Type I diabetes and depression, was a welcoming host and caring friend. A teacher in various guises for decades, he was beloved by his many students.
As he said in his personal statement to Georgetown, “living as an openly and unapologetically gay man was, in and of itself, a political act.” Richard felt keenly the injustices in the societal and political realm, and always wanted to work in spaces and live in ways that did no harm. Richard crossed and connected many worlds, and his many surviving friends and chosen family will miss him terribly.
A memorial service will be held on June 5th, 2022 at around noon. Please write to [email protected] if you would like to attend or get further details.
Donations in Richard’s memory may be made to The Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston or to the LGBTQ charity of your choice.