Robert Royce Sprague Sr., 78, passed away on August 12th, 2018 while resting peacefully at home in Spring Hill, FL amongst his loving family. He was born on June 19th, 1940 to the late Chester and Helen McCarthy Sprague in Holmes, NY. Bob was united in marriage with Susan DiLandro on November 5th, 1960, after falling in love as teenagers, at The Church of Saint Denis in Hopewell Jct, NY. Bob started his career as a caregiver in the medical field and continued his love for healthcare by caring for of all (4) of their own parents during their elderly years. Bob managed the private 180 acre hunting estate, “Dutchess Valley Rod and Gun Club” in Pawling, NY for many years. He was then chosen and accepted to start the new “Pawling Mountain Club”, another large 900 acre hunting estate adjacent to the famous James Earl Jones’s property. Bob was later offered and graciously accepted a position as Manager and Caretaker of the prestigious “Top Gallant Farm”, a private 160 acre estate/sculpture garden on the historic Quaker Hill in Pawling, NY bordering the famous Norman Vincent Peale’s property. After many great years at this beautiful sculpture garden/estate, it’s owner, Andre Emmerich, sold and Bob went on to be a custodian in the local Pawling Schools where all (4) of his children attended K-12. He immensely enjoyed this time amongst all the students and faculty before he and Susan relocated to Spring Hill, FL in 2007.
Aside from all his great work, Bob was truly loved by many friends in his community and respected for his true integrity. Bob had a great love to hunt and fish with his father and friends. He had one of the most genuine souls and prided himself in helping many. His wife and children were his focal point and he sincerely welcomed everyone into their home. He was named “DAD” by all of his children’s friends and to this day, is still considered and will be forever missed as just that! Bob’s grandchildren say he will always be remembered as a kind, genuine and authentic man.
Survivors include his beloved wife of over 57 years, Susan DiLandro Sprague; sister, Anna and Les Eastwood of Patrick Springs, VA; children, Chet Sprague of Spring Hill, FL, Robert and Kathy Sprague of Panama City, FL, John and Connie Sprague of Pawling, NY, and Helen and David Sztroin of Spring Hill, FL; grandchildren, Heather, Nicole, Alyssa, Madison, Stephanie, John, Andrew and Jason Sprague, Daniel and Krystal Jones; Great-grandchildren, Deus, Hayden, Kalin, Cameron, Robert, Michael and one expected soon. Bob is also survived by several in laws and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Sunday, August 19th from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home in Spring Hill, FL. A service honoring Bob’s life will held at 1 p.m. Immediately following the service there will be a “Celebration of Life” reception/dinner at the Clubhouse of Pristine Place.
A memorial in Pawling, NY is being planned for this Fall, details to come.
