Leonard A Spalding, III

Leonard A. Spalding III, 90, of Dover and Chatham, MA passed away peacefully, at home, on May 6, 2026, surrounded by his heartbroken loved ones.

Leonard was born in New York City on July 17, 1935, the son of the late Natalie Whitaker Spalding and Leonard A Spalding, Jr. Leonard’s sister, Louise Spalding Vilas, and brother, John Lancaster Spalding, predeceased him. Leonard attended The Haverford School, then graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.

During college and law school summers, Leonard worked as a lifeguard at Martin’s Dam Club in Wayne, PA. Leonard also served his country as a first lieutenant in the United States Army prior to law school. Many of Leonard’s fondest memories and formative friendships were rooted in this period of his young life.  

Leonard’s law career spanned nearly forty years. He worked primarily for The Gillette Company in Boston, MA as deputy general counsel until his retirement. Leonard was part of the legal team that successfully fended off three hostile takeovers of Gillette by Revlon in 1986, 1987, and 1988. He also helped Gillette expand its global scope with his work tied to the acquisition of Duracell Battery in 1996. Leonard was a dedicated member of the board of Family Service of Greater Boston.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leonard was most proud of his adoring family. Leonard is survived by the great love of his life, his wife of fifty one years, Patrice Mullaney Spalding, daughter Catherine W. Spalding and son in law Michael I. Mutter of Needham; daughter Nancy W. Spalding Gray of Chatham; grandchildren Sarah S. Mutter, and her husband, Gavin K. Davis; Samuel S. Gray; Natalie S. Mutter; and Caroline E. Gray; beloved nieces and nephews, cherished extended family, and devoted caregivers.

Leonard was known for his kindness, quick wit, keen intellect, devotion, trustworthiness and resilience. He could often be found reading a newspaper, walking a beagle, attending a grandchild’s game, meet, play or recital. He loved walking in Chatham, swimming laps in the ocean, mental math, libraries, movies, singing and ice cream. Leonard’s sayings were legend and myriad. He will be quoted by family and friends for years to come. His advice and counsel were spot on. Leonard is sorely missed, and we carry him in our hearts. 

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects: Visting Hours will be held on Tuesday, May 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Eaton Funeral Home at 1351 Highland Avenue in Needham, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20 at The Church of the Most Precious Blood at 30 Centre St. in Dover, MA.

A private burial will follow.

Donations in Leonard’s memory can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston www.arlboston.org or to Family Independence, Inc. www.familyindependence.org.

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