Robert C. Sprague, Sr.'s Obituary
Robert C. Sprague, Sr., 91, of Liverpool, passed away Sunday at home. He was born in Syracuse, the son of the late Kenneth and Helen (Grieb) Sprague. Robert graduated from North High School and also attended Syracuse University before heading to WWII serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Robert flew over 35 missions in Europe and was the navigator on the airplane "Snooper", a B-24 known as a Liberator. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial combat. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Air Force Reserves in 1982. Robert was a salesman all of his life working for two local companies, Case Supply and Burns Supply. Robert raised six children, always putting his family first, attending all of his children's and grandchildren's events.
He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Margaret Sprague in 1991; his son, Timothy Sprague in 1996; son-in-law, Brian Mabie in 2004 and his brother, Frank Sprague in 2007. Robert is survived by two sons, Robert C. (Roberta) Sprague, Jr. and Thomas (Joni) Sprague; three daughters, Deborah (Donald) Leppard, Cheryl (Terry) Sharpe and Susan Mabie; daughter-in-law, Lori (John Kozlowski) Sprague; 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, brother, Kenneth Sprague; sister, Eleanor Robb; sister-in-law, Marion DeMarco and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at 9:00 am in the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME and 10:00 am in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Liverpool. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Harold Lee Veterans With Disabilities Fund, 4513 Wilderness Way, Syracuse, NY 13215.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert ?
Share a story where Robert 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?