ROBERT JOHN SPARKS
Robert John Sparks, a Babylon Village resident and member of the Babylon Fire Department, died July 20 at the age of 92, He been battling heart failure for several years.
Robert John “Bob” Sparks was born on New Year’s Eve in 1931 in Tottenville, Staten Island. He played basketball and baseball in high school graduating at the age of 15. Following graduation, he attended Wagner College.
He married one of the opposing team’s cheerleaders, Marylou Matthews, and went on to create a large loving family.
He started his professional career on the Cotton Exchange and continued as a stockbroker on Wall Street until his retirement as a VP with Herzog, Heine and Geduld.
Mr. Sparks moved his family to Babylon, in the mid 50s. He joined the Babylon Volunteer Fire Department and remained a proud member of the Sumpwams Hose Company where he served for 60 plus years.
“He was one of the few members who never needed to be issued a new uniform as his size never changed,” said his daughter Cynthia Dreher. “He was part of the marching band, playing the drum at all parades and functions.”
A Firematic Service was held at Chapey Funeral Home in West Islip on July 26, 2024. An honorary Firemen’s Flag Service was held at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church in Babylon the next day.
Mr. Sparks was also active in St. Joseph’s Church, serving as an usher for over 40 years. He was an avid skier and taught his children to ski at Wyndham
Mountain where he spent winter weekends.
He and his wife became snowbirds after retirement. He was a member and frequent MC at the Fort Lauderdale Country
Club’s comedy nights and was always the life of the party, said his daughter. He played the organ and accordion for his family and friends. He had an amazing memory for jokes and loved to play practical jokes on friends.
He also became a volunteer at an equine center that worked with handicapped children and volunteered at the Science
Museum in the children’s department. He had a gentle and fun manner with children and animals, said his daughter.
His family said he will be remembered for his humor and storytelling. “Once you met my father, you never forgot the twinkle in his blue eyes, the elfish grin and his warm embrace,” said his daughter.
Mr. Sparks is survived by his wife Marylou and his children Catherine Desjardins and her husband Paul of Maplewood, New Jersey, J. Kevin of Ft. Lauderdale, Jeffrey and his wife Claire of Babylon and Cynthia Dreher husband Robert and predeceased by sons Christopher, Bobby and daughter Marylou. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
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