Peter Ford McSpadden, former President of Saatchi & Saatchi died peacefully on Sunday morning the 13th of March at the age of 85.
Peter was an avid father, loving husband, brother, and a long-time advertising executive, with a passion for the business and creative process. Peter grew up in Montclair, NJ with his parents, Janet and Chester McSpadden, and younger sister Linda. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1952, and enlisted in the Navy where he became an Naval Air Intelligence Officer assigned to the staff of Commander Carrier Division Three which ran air strikes into Korea. When discharged he moved to New York, where he met his wonderful wife, Barbara.
He spent the bulk of his career at the New York agency, Dancer Fitzgerald Sample where he rose to become President, Chief Operating Officer. When DFS and Saatchi and Saatchi Compton merged, he assumed the Presidency of the combined company.
Mr. McSpadden was a past Director of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, the American Advertising Federation, and the National Advertising Review Board.
Peter and Barbara resided in Riverside, CT for 55 years. They formed an exceptionally close group of life-long friends, and raised three sons. He and Barbara were members of the Riverside Yacht Club, He was active on the Connecticut political scene, serving as campaign manager for Senator Lowell Weicker's successful bids for Congress (1968) and the Senate (1970, 1976, 1982.)
Peter was predeceased in 2015 by his wife, Barbara, and leaves behind his sister Linda Nelson, three grown sons, Douglas (Carmen), David (Christine), Peter C. and four grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich on April 16 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice, or to the Farnsworth Museum at 16 Museum St., Rockland, ME 04841.
Arrangements under the direction of Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Stamford, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 24, 2016
Peter and I worked together and skied together. A tough competitor in both. He was a winner in the ad agency business. Yes, we go way back. A coincidence that I am David and my son is Douglas.
David Pyle (Houston, Texas)
April 23, 2016
I knew Peter as a competitor in the advertising business and respected him
for his fairness and his knowledge of the craft. Later I served on a board with
him and realized his major contributions to the community. He will be missed.
Abbott Jones, Greenwich CT
April 18, 2016
Connie Hayes
Peter and Barbara were a joy to be on committees with for the Farnsworth Museum. But more than that they were extraordinary examples of how to live and make a big difference in others lives. Such great examples for us all. Condolences to their family. Connie Hayes
April 18, 2016
Ann Rothschild
I lOVED Peter. As a fellow trustee of the Farnsworth Museum, he was one of the kindest most considerate warm hearted of all. I will miss him so much!
April 17, 2016
Chris and Carol Brownawell
On behalf of the Farnsworth Art Museum, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peter was a remarkable man. His passion and commitment to the Farnsworth was extraordinary.
We miss Peter and Barbara tremendously.
April 15, 2016
Susan Deutsch
Peter and Barbara, you have been such good friends and exceptional leaders and supporters of the Farnsworth Art Museum. Your work and support of arts education has opened the world of the arts to so many children and families that never would have had the opportunity to enrich their lives in the way that the arts are able to do. We thank you and will miss you so much.
April 8, 2016
Please accept my condolences,sorry for your loss. Matthew 22:31,32, (he is the God, not of the dead, but of the living) We can see our loved one again.
March 23, 2016
Thank you for your service to our country.
A grateful American
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