Richard E. Sparks “Dick” passed away in the company of his loving family on Thursday, December 1. He was 80. The son of the late Richard R., Jr. and Rita J. (Murphy) Sparks, Dick lived most of his life in Medford. He graduated Medford High School, attended Boston University and served in the National Guard. Throughout his life, Dick worked in his family business M & S Express, located on Mystic Avenue in Medford. He joined his father, “Bud” Sparks, in operating the firm which specialized in transporting overseas containers.
Dick was devoted to his family and always looked forward to spending time with family and friends at his home in Humarock, where they always made time to get out on the boat. An avid golfer, Dick hit the ball almost every day, whether in the Boston area, in Humarock, or during the winter in Naples, Florida. Active in the Medford Kiwanas Club for many years, Dick also served on the Board of Directors for Massport .
The beloved husband of Linda R. (Stracuzzi) Sparks, Dick was a devoted father to Jamie Sparks of Medford, and Jessica McCarthy and her husband Matt of Milton. He was a loving grandfather to Maxwell and Cash. The dear brother of Edward Sparks and his wife Kathy of Boston and Brenda Sanchez and her husband Steve of Medford, Dick is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Dick’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday, December 6th at 10:30 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 11:30 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit at the funeral home on Monday, 4 - 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Dick’s name to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood, Dr. Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.