Gloria R. Sparaco

It is with deep sadness that the family of Gloria Reincke Sparaco announces her passing on December 17, 2025. Gloria resided in Chester, Connecticut at the time of her passing and was a longtime, cherished resident of Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Gloria was born on February 19, 1931, in Hartford, Connecticut, and was the beloved only child of the late Lieutenant General Frederick G. Reincke and Marjorie Reincke (Coughlin). She spent her early years in Wethersfield, Connecticut, before moving to Old Saybrook in 1948—a place that always held her heart.

Gloria was devotedly married to her husband, William Lee Sparaco, for 68 wonderful years. She was a loving mother of three, a proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, a joyful great-grandmother of twenty-four great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandmother to one.

To know Gloria was to think of grace and elegance. She was always well dressed, eloquent, and carried herself with timeless style.

One of Gloria’s proudest accomplishments was earning her Associate’s Degree in Art with high honors. She had a lifelong appreciation for the arts and was a talented painter. In her leisure time, Gloria enjoyed playing bridge, tennis, golf, and bowling—activities she approached with enthusiasm and joy.

Gloria was a dedicated member of the Old Saybrook Garden Club, served as President of the Jaycee Wives Club, and was a faithful parishioner of the First Church of Christ in Old Saybrook, where she found community and comfort.

Above all, Gloria will be remembered for her warm smile, patience, and thoughtful, caring nature. She loved to cook, and her joy in preparing delicious meals was always shared generously with family and friends. Ever ready for laughter and good company, Gloria embraced life fully. Her loving spirit and gentle presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Gloria was predeceased by her father, Lt. General Frederick G. Reincke; her mother, Marjorie Coughlin Reincke; her first husband, Thomas C. Mitchell; and her great-grandchild, Jeremiah Smith.

Gloria is survived by her loving husband, William Lee Sparaco; her daughters, Susan Carol Mitchell and Kathy Ann Neely, both of Old Saybrook, Connecticut; and her son, Thomas Stanford Mitchell, of Middleburg, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by her nine cherished grandchildren: Michelle Mitchell (Mitch) of Old Saybrook, CT; Reneé Brajczewski (Kenny) of Westbrook, CT; Matthew Henning (Rachel) of Wesley, ME; Mark Strother (Lisa) of Huntsville, NC; Rebecca Wright of Wallingford, CT; Kimberly Wright of Old Saybrook, CT; Amber Mowrey (Nathaniel) of Hobe Sound, FL; Daniel Smith (LaDawn) of St. Francis, SD; and Scott Smith (Jodi) of Middleburg, PA. She also leaves behind 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the Sparaco family invites donations in Gloria’s name to the ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/ or a local food kitchen.