Scientist, brother of Harvard resident
Peter Spacciapoli, 66, of Newbury, died suddenly Monday, April 15, 2019 at Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport. He was a loving son, the devoted husband of Maryanne Sheehan Spacciapoli, a doting father to Gabrielle Germania Spacciapoli, loyal brother to William (Bill) Spacciapoli, an uncle, nephew, cousin, friend.
Born in Springfield, September 25, 1952, he was the son of the late Americo and Ruth (Hart) Spacciapoli. Peter received a PhD in protein biochemistry from Clark University and held postdoctoral fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and UMass Medical School. He spent the rest of his scientific career as a senior scientist with a number of biopharma firms-—the last 10-plus years with Merck Research Laboratories, Boston. He loved his life’s calling and was an accomplished and talented scientist holding a number of patents and authoring and contributing to a number of research papers.
When not ensconced in his scientific work, Peter’s life was filled with playing the trumpet, enjoying jazz, fishing, and gardening, but above all caring for and spending time with his devoted family.
In addition to his beloved wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Gabriella Spacciapoli; his brother, Bill Spacciapoli and his wife Toni of Harvard; their children Nicholas and Catherine; and his mother-in-law, Maureen Sheehan of Leominster. Peter was a member of a large loving family, including Maryanne’s sister, brothers, their spouses and their beautiful children and many Spacciapoli and Hart cousins.
We will forever miss Peter—his love of life, keen intellect, his humor, his wit. He was a very special man who made his mark in science and will especially be remembered for the difference he made in all whose paths he crossed.
There will be a memorial service May 9, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Mission Oak Grill, 26 Green Street, Newburyport. Peter’s family hopes all who knew and loved Peter can attend.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation at donate.bbrfoundation.org.
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