ANDOVER — Howard E. Spidell, 80, died Tuesday, Oct. 19, at his residence on Maple Street, Andover.

He was born in Andover, March 1, 1930, the son of Avard Foster Spidell and Rena A. Bodwell. He graduated from Andover High School, Class of 1947, and had attended Cypress College in Cypress, Calif.

He made a career with the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 21 years retiring May 31, 1968, as a first sergeant and had served during the Korean War.

Howard had attended the Andover Congregational Church, had served as a director of the Andover Water District for many years, and had loved to travel with his wife. He also had received a certificate of heroism from the Boy Scouts of America for saving a family members life from drowning in 1942. He had also volunteered for The Habitat for Humanity for several years and had served as a Swamp Guide at Big Cypress Preserve in the Everglades.

He was married in Andover, Dec. 31, 1949, to the former Ruth Ellen Hall, who died in Andover, June 25, 2004.

Survivors include daughters, Judy Ann Allespach and husband, Geoffrey, of Miami, Fla., Sandra Gonzales and husband, George, of Knoxville, Tenn., Cheryl Gurney and husband, Rob, of Eureka, Calif.; a son, Michael Spidell and wife, Mary, of Pollock Pines, Calif.; a sister, Shirley Smith of Mustang, Okla.; a brother, Robert Spidell and wife, Janet, of San Clemente, Calif.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to sign the guest book and share memories online at www.meaderandson.com.