Richard Norman Spivack

Due to the inclement weather, graveside services for Richard Spivack have been rescheduled for 10:00 AM on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Richard N. Spivack, a dedicated professor and passionate economist, passed away at his home in Asheville, NC. Born in Providence, RI, Richard's early years were marked by achievement and leadership, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts. The Eagle Scout rank is a lifelong achievement respected by colleges and businesses. He took immense pride in this accomplishment, achieved by only 6% of Scouts. Richard graduated from Cranston East High School and pursued his passion for economics, earning his B.A. from American University in Washington, DC. He went on to complete his Master’s in Economics at the University of Rhode Island and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Connecticut. For 17 years, Richard was a well-respected Economics Professor at Bryant College in Smithfield, RI, where he shared his love for learning and shaped the lives of countless students. Later, he moved to Gaithersburg, MD with his wife, Dianne, where he served as an Economist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for 22 years before retiring in Asheville in 2017. Richard had a deep love for the outdoors and stayed active throughout his life. He was an avid skier, tennis player, runner, and hiker. He had a curious and adventurous spirit, and his travels reflected his lifelong passion for learning. Known for his love of teaching, Richard was always ready to share knowledge with anyone who would listen. He was also a history enthusiast and a civic-minded individual who believed in giving back to his community. Richard is survived by his wife, Dianne Spivack; his niece, Stephanie Vinacco; and great nieces, Marissa and Krysta. He also leaves behind his cousins, Harvey Bronstein, Andy Bronstein, and Cindy Davis, along with their children, and numerous friends in Rhode Island, Washington, DC, and Asheville, NC. He was predeceased by his sister, Harriet Spivack. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Lou Pollock Memorial Park Cemetery, N. Louisiana Avenue, Asheville, NC, with Rabbi Wolff Alterman officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Morris Funeral Home and Cremation Care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor. Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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Richard Norman Spivack

August 20, 1949 - September 22, 2024