Sparling, Ralph William
Ralph W. “Bill” Sparling, age 86, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on Thursday April 05, 2012 following a short illness. Bill was born on June 02, 1925 in Newton, NJ.
He was the son of William and Bertha Sparling growing up in Newton, NJ spending many happy times there. He resided in Lafayette before moving to Fredon. He served in the Navy on the S.S. Savannah during World War II and worked for the United Telephone Company as a line man/cable splicer until his retirement.
He enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, gardening, the great outdoors and playing cards, but one of his favorite hobbies was playing golf, during his retirement you could find him on the golf course daily. Bill will especially be remembered as a true gentleman, with his gentle nature, always polite and positive, he touched everyone who crossed his path.
Bill was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, a brother Russell, sister-in-law Esther Sparling, and brother-in-law William “Red” Hart. Left to cherish his memories are his children, William (Cindy) of Lafayette; Barton (Cindy) of Branchville; Bonnie Jacobus (Kenny) of Glen Spey NY; Bradley (Helene) of Montague; Bruce (Debby) of Dayville, CT; his grandchildren, Beth (Victor), Christopher (Nikki), Lee-Anne (Nate), Becky, Ashley, Lucas, Kyle and Annabelle, also his great-grandchildren, Christian, Adrian, Jackson, & Noah. Bill is also survived by his former wife Betty Sparling of Sparta; his brother Edward of Lafayette and a sister Doris Cole of Newton and many nieces & nephews. He is further cherished in friendship by many fellow golfers who have truly enriched his life over the past years.
Visitation will be held Monday April 9, 2012 from 10:30 AM to12:30 PM with funeral services immediately following at the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home 156 Main Street, Newton NJ. Entombment following in the Newton Cemetery mausoleum.
