Emery St. Clair Springer, Jr.

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Emery St. Clair Springer, Jr., beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend to many, completed his earthly assignments and earned his eternal rest on November 12, 2024. A distinguished gentleman of impeccable style, some affectionately referred to him as “Sir Emery”. His height, stature and commanding presence also earned him the nickname “Oak”. A true Renaissance Man, Emery’s life was marked by unwavering love for his family, dedication to his fraternity, passion for travel, financial savvy, good food, jazz love of sports especially during football and basketball seasons and an unrivaled attention to fine details. In his words… “Always strive for the best!”

Born on October 20th, 1943 and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Emery was the elder child of Eileen and Emery Springer, and loving brother to his sister Maria, whom he faithfully protected throughout their youth. Emery’s Cambridge roots were strong, and he took great pride in his city, particularly the “Coast”, where he grew up surrounded by rich culture and tight-knit community. A proud member of a strong West Indian rooted family, Emery’s grandparents hailed from Barbados, and their influence shaped much of his character. He cherished values of family and community, often recounting fond memories of childhood gatherings at their Franklin Street home, where Sundays were spent sharing meals with loved ones and friends. In 2023 he was honored by the Cambridge Black History Project by recording his account of life and experiences in his beloved city. This historical interview is archived at the Cambridge Public Library.

Emery excelled academically and athletically from a young age. A standout student at Houghton School and Rindge Technical High, he was a key forward on championship basketball teams and recognized for his leadership and academic excellence including being an inductee in the National Honor Society. During high school he was hand selected to attend an advanced pre-college math and science course at MIT which further piqued his interest in engineering. He attended Northeastern University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s in Engineering Management. His educational journey was not only about personal achievement, but also focused on breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for others, as evidenced by participation in Northeastern’s inaugural and groundbreaking Co-op Program for minority students.

Professionally, Emery was a trailblazer. He worked for several esteemed companies, including Raytheon, Honeywell, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and Hewlett-Packard (HP) where he built a successful career that spanned nearly three decades. Starting as an Electrical Design Engineer, he advanced to a Business Manager role, where his leadership and commitment to excellence were instrumental to DEC's success. Emery was recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious "Circle of Excellence" award, which celebrated his outstanding business performance.

For 60 years of his life, Emery was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, through which he dedicated much of his time and energy to serving others. He was particularly proud of his work with fraternity brothers in support of John D. O’Bryant’s election to the Boston School Committee, a historic achievement for the African American community. During the Omega Psi Phi 85th Grand Conclave in June 2024, Emery was honored for his 60 years of membership.

Emery was the proud father of two children, Robyn (Springer) Carter and Derek Springer, Sr., from his first marriage to Sandra Stewart-Baker, and loving grandfather to his four grandchildren, Naia, Derek Jr. (DJ), Quincy, and Kendall. He happily helped instill that same core value of educational thirst in his children and grandchildren alike, and enjoyed nothing more than celebrating their individual and collective successful milestones. In 2003, Emery met the love of his life, Linda Hope, during a St. Bartholomew’s Young Peoples Fellowship Reunion. They later married on the beautiful island of Anguilla. Linda is “Bonus Mom” to his children. Emery affectionately referred to Linda as his Everything. He lovingly planned, with great detail, surprise date nights for Linda. Emery’s enjoyment of athletic activities continued into his later years as he could often be found at Hampshire Hills playing Wallyball. Emery and Linda enjoyed entertaining friends at their New Hampshire home and vacationing. Their annual calendar always included hosting a Grill and Chill event where Emery was grill master and bartender as well as a winter escape to Aruba. Together, Emery and Linda cultivated a deep loving bond, traveling the world and creating a wealth of enriching memories.

A true gentleman, Emery was known for kindness, generosity, and unwavering integrity. He was a man who cherished family, community, and the fibers that connect us all. His contributions to his family, fraternity, and professional endeavors have made an indelible mark. He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and dedication that will eternally inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Emery St. Clair Springer, Jr., is predeceased by his father, Emery Sinclair Springer, Sr., his mother, Eileen Best Springer, and his sister, Maria Springer Pegram. He is loved and will be dearly missed by his wife Linda, his children Robyn (Charles) and Derek (Paula), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all who weaved his life bonds. His memory will live on in stories shared, lessons learned, and love extended so freely. As he would say… “Strive for the best!"

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