Charles Edward Spranklin

Born on August 14, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Charles was the son of Thomas William Spranklin II and Eloise (Golterman) Spranklin. He was educated in New York City, where he attended the Industrial Arts School and began to develop the artistic and technical talents that would shape his life’s work.

As a young man, Charles pursued music as a gifted harmonica player, touring the country with the Vaudeville circuit with the Don Henry Trio. In that role, he accompanied notable recording artists, showcasing both his musical skill and stage presence. Anyone who had the good fortune to hear Charles play, particularly his rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” received an incredibly special gift. Considered an elite in his field, Charles was an active member of the international Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica, was a featured player and speaker at annual conventions and a regular contributor to the newsletter.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he worked as a radio communications instructor. Following his honorable discharge, he turned his focus to art and animation, beginning his career as an illustrator creating the “in-betweens” that bring hand-drawn animation to life.

His talent and dedication quickly set him apart. At Television Graphics, Inc., he rose through the ranks to become Director of Animation. He later joined the renowned advertising agency J. Walter Thompson, where he served as a producer and contributed to a number of memorable advertising campaigns from the 1960s to the 1980s. His work earned recognition from his peers, and he received numerous industry awards, including the prestigious CLIO award for an ad Charles produced.

Charles met the love of his life, Jean Gloria Boyer, while commuting by bus from the Bronx to midtown Manhattan. A gentleman with natural charm, he struck up a conversation that led to a lifelong partnership. They were married on November 2, 1957, and together built a loving family, welcoming their sons, Noah and Thomas.

The family made their home in Yonkers, New York, where they lived from 1965 to 2005. In retirement, Charles and Jean relocated to East Lyme, Connecticut, where they enjoyed being closer to their sons and grandchildren.

A lifelong lover of film, Charles was an avid moviegoer and a familiar face at the Niantic Cinema. In addition to his work in advertising, he also produced several documentaries and was a voting member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife, Jean (Boyer) Spranklin; his sons Noah and Thomas; his daughter-in-law, Diana (Desmond) Spranklin; and his cherished grandchildren, John Thomas, Desmond, and Sarah Spranklin. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Doris (Spranklin) White.

Charles was, in every sense, a renaissance man—self-taught, creative, disciplined, and endlessly curious. Whether through music, art, or storytelling, he brought imagination and dedication to everything he did, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and accomplishment.

A celebration of Charles’ life will be held on Saturday May 23, 2026 at the Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home in Niantic, Connecticut, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend and share memories with his family.