John Kevin Sparks

SPARKS- John Kevin, of Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida passed on January 16, 2026. Kevin is the cherished son of Marylou and the late Robert John Sparks and the devoted husband of the late Margaret (Ackerman) Sparks. Beloved brother of Catherine (Paul) Desjardins, Jeffrey (Claire) Sparks and Cynthia (Robert) Dreher. Kevin was preceded in death by brothers Christopher Sparks and Robert Sparks and sister, Marylou Sparks. Kevin died peacefully in the Hospice Unit at North Broward Hospital after a seven-year courageous battle with lung cancer.

Kevin was born in Staten Island, NY on June 6th, 1956. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School and graduated from Babylon High School in 1974. In high school, Kevin ran on the cross-country team. In the winters he participated on the ski team in Wyndham, NY and during summers he was on the Babylon swimming team. He studied at Broward College in Florida. He also studied Computer Science at Grumman Data Systems and Long Island University.

Kevin loved the ocean and always lived nearby. He was an avid surfer in his youth and never let a fishing opportunity pass. He continued to love fishing up to a few years ago when cancer’s effects made it difficult to get out to sea. Kevin also spent time under the water after getting his scuba certification. In retirement, Kevin was a bridge tender and relished sending pictures of the yachts that frequented the Lauderdale area or passed through the Intercoastal. Many will miss his “good morning” sunrises over the Atlantic Ocean that Kevin tried to post every day.

Kevin had a colorful and varied work history. In his early employment years, he worked for a traveling circus helping raise lion cubs and he had a short stint working for the sheriff’s office in New Orleans. He worked for Grumman Aerospace as a computer analyst. Kevin worked in accounting for an office on Long Island for many years in his 30s and 40s.

Kevin moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida after the tragic loss of the love of his life – Margaret- only months after their marriage in 1999. Kevin was a proud Friend of Bill. Kevin opened and ran two substance recovery organizations in the Fort Lauderdale area - Ocean Spirit Recovery and Holistix by the Sea. He helped hundreds of individuals in their journeys of recovery. Kevin received his 33-year chip in October 2025. He would often say that he maintained his sobriety as an honored promise that he made to Margaret.

Kevin was active in his HOA. He was on the board and presided as President for many years. The golfing bug hit Kevin and he worked to perfect his game. Many of his friends were acquired on the golf course. He participated in many tournaments in Florida and golf was always a motivator to get healthy and to fight his battle with cancer.

Kevin was a special uncle to 9 nephews and nieces and to 6 grand nephews and nieces. Even some of the nephews’ friends called him “Uncle Kevin” He cherished time that he spent with them. He saved every picture and letter that they sent to him.

Many of the stories told by friends and family exemplify that Kevin was a “Great Person” but even more importantly, he was a “Good Soul”.

He will be missed by many …

A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Babylon, NY at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 31, 2026. A celebration of Kevin’s life will follow at a location to be announced at the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.