Obituary
Robert Sprague (Bob), 88; died Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at AdventHealth hospital in Daytona Beach, FL. Bob was a loving husband, father, and friend.
Born in Beach Haven, N.J., Mr. Sprague lived there for eight years before moving to Point Pleasant Beach where he graduated from Point Pleasant Beach High School in 1950. As a high school student, Bob played football and basketball for the Garnet Gulls. He was an excellent athlete following in the footsteps of his brother Earl.
Robert Sprague proudly served his country in the Navy from 1952 – 1954. Upon leaving the service, Bob went to work for The Colonnades Hotel in Palm Beach, FL for a few years where he rose to the rank of Captain of the Bell Hops. One famous actor, Bing Crosby, tipped him a dollar. Bob moved back to N.J. and worked for Jersey Central Power and Light Company as a lineman for 36 dedicated years, before retiring in 1998. He was a good provider for his family.
A few things that Bob loved most were his wife and daughters and his lifelong friends. Growing up on the Jersey Shore in both Long Beach Island and Point Pleasant Beach, he had a love for the ocean and body surfing. Bob could body surf and “ride the waves” with the best of them and taught his friends and family how to body surf and most importantly “how to get out of a riptide” and roll in a wave. He was still giving this “talk” to all the nurses, aides and techs at the hospital the week before he passed.
Surviving are his wife, Joan Sprague of Daytona Beach, and his two daughters, Robin Sprague and Jacqueline Sprague of Blue Bell, PA and his best friend, Mickey, his 5lb Yorkie. Robert was the son of Earl Walton and Lillian (Egan) Sprague of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. His brother was Earl Tappan Sprague who died at age 72.
His naturally sweet demeanor, dry sense of humor, and loving heart will be missed by all of those who knew and loved him and had the pleasure of his company.
Service
620 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, FL 32127
Praying for the service today as your remember such a dedicated Husband, Father and friend. I know you will miss him and these days ahead will be sad without him, but how well he was loved! You are dedicated to honor him and I loved reading about him. ❌⭕️
I know your dad/husband will be missed dearly and that you have many fond memories of him. I’m sure they will last you a life time. After reading Bob’s obituary, I learned about Bob’s passion for body surfing. “Riding the waves” at the Jersey shore was a favorite activity for many of us, including myself. Though I was not fortunate to see Bob “in the day” riding the surf, I truly understand why this memory lasted in his mind for a lifetime. Body surfing was exhilarating, especially rolling in the shore break at the end of the ride. He will be missed, though his memories will last for a lifetime.
George
I know how great this loss is! In time the pain will lessen and you will be able to celebrate the wonderful time you've had. He lived a full, 'loved' life with a close family bond. He is now celebrating a Sprague Family Reunion in Heaven ♥
Love, Jane and Mike