To the Editor:
We are grateful to live in such a small and supportive town like Hull. The support, concern, and compassion for our family will never be forgotten. Family and close friends from out of town were in awe to see such genuine care and compassion from all the people of Hull.
The Spitz family wants to especially thank the first responders of Hull. They made a tough situation manageable by respecting our family’s sorrow. Everyone wants protection, but no one truly thinks about the principle: “Protect and serve.” Also, we would like to thank everyone who walked with Bobby in his journey of life (you all know who you are). Bobby loved you all, and you were very special to him.
Bobby made his contribution to Hull through sports. This was how Bobby effectively reached so many people. Bobby’s teams were very competitive, and any team that played Hull knew it had to match their intensity. If they did not meet Hull’s intensity, they were beaten on the field and on the scoreboard. Bobby’s teams were one of a kind because what they may have lacked in talent, they overcame with heart and determination.
Though sports brought upon many injuries to Bobby, we had no doubts about the positive effects sports had in his life. He used his athletic status in Hull to share his natural compassion to all his peers, community, and teammates. He had a great understanding of how to be a leader and how sports enhanced his chances of helping his town.
Bobby’s strength was his honest approach toward people. He had the most integrity of any person ever to reside in Hull. Fake was not in Bobby’s vocabulary. If we were to describe Bobby, we would describe him as honorable. We were so proud he was, and always will be, our son and brother.
However, of all the words to describe Bobby, “Hullonian” is the term that comes to mind. He grew up surrounded by coaches and people in the community who exemplified what this term really means. When we think about who influenced Bobby in his sports and in his life, we think about men such as Billy Doyle, Lou Perry, Steve Vieira, Mark Concannon, Mike Shaffer, John Mahoney, Michael Powers, Tank Trubia, Mike and Dave O’Donnell, and Skip McCann. These men contributed to the Hull community not only by coaching, but also demonstrated values that helped shape Bobby into the man he was. We also want to mention Robert McNamara and John Vafides; these two men were Bobby’s grandfathers, and they were not only close to Bobby they were role models for him, exemplifying a work ethic, respect, and integrity.
His athletic career in Hull was summed up by a teammate who said, “We knew we couldn’t win if we didn’t try, but we just want to compete and laugh about it later.” The young men who played with Bobby were a “band of brothers” that few of us get to experience in life. This brotherhood accepted any shortcomings as long as you didn’t violate the trust. This brotherhood even brought the adults together to form just as tight a bond. Everyone looked out for one another and loved each child as their own. This positively contributed to our time in Hull, and memories were made that will never be forgotten.
Bobby’s services showed us the result of the close-knit bond of our community. The future looks bright for Hull and the world with all who grew up alongside Bobby. As we saw people from the classes of 2013, 2011, and others, we were in awe of the great young men and women Hull has produced. Bobby, alongside all of you, learned the principle of goodwill to others. You showed that to us through your compassion and care for Bobby and for us as his family.
Bobby taught us that material things aren’t as important as friendships, honesty, and integrity. These principles that he lived by allowed him to live a fulfilling life. Bobby was constantly out socializing and sharing his beautiful soul with others. He was unique as he valued face-to-face contact rather than socializing through a computer. Hull was where he was most comfortable because he trusted the people here the most. Bobby wouldn’t have been Bobby if he wasn’t raised in Hull.
Bobby was a special person who we know will be missed. He touched many with his ability to connect with people from different walks of life. This is his life lesson that he would desire to be passed on throughout the world and throughout this community.
Let us remember Bobby as we practice goodwill to fellow men in whatever we may do in this life. We loved him so much and will forever have a void in our heart. However, as a family, we will continue to live our lives honoring Bobby’s legacy. We pledge to live our lives full of honesty and integrity.
Thank you all. We love you.
Kurt, Trish, and Katie Spitz
