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William Sparkes Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Sparkes
Bob Hardesty
February 13, 2022
For Bill´s family: remembering him today. My being a transplant from Pennsylvania was mostly due to Bill´s efforts and we always miss his funny, intelligent personality. A member of our wedding party, Bill was truly one of a kind! Using his work nickname, "Wilbur", we miss you old friend!
Barry Atwood
March 3, 2011
Bill and I met at Colby College in 1965, we were housed in adjoining rooms in one of the freshmen dorms. We became great friends and after graduation, roommates in Portland for several years before he moved to Hartford. We shared memories of the "old days" a year or so ago in a long phone call, and have remained in touch. I have just learned of his passing and am shocked and deeply saddened. I would like to connect with his daughter or son to discuss their dad. Elizabeth or Andrew, please contact me at [email protected]
Steve Sparkes
February 26, 2011
I remember Bill coming to our house in Delmar, NY, in 1969 to interview for a job at my dad's company, The Travelers. He and Bob visited us on Lake Winnipesaukee many summers. He obviously loved that part of New England. Many years and many miles kept us from really knowing Bill, but I heard nothing but great things about him during my time at Colby and later in the insurance industry. My heart goes out to Bob and Bill's family. It saddens me that a shining star in our family has ascended.
Robert Ziade
February 24, 2011
Bill was awesome. A die hard awful Red Sox fan, but made it just that much more fun to go to games with him to see the Yankees :) I was and always will be a big fan of him. God Bless his soul...and smile for him.
Jane Conner
February 22, 2011
I first met Bill in the early days of my tenure at Travelers, in Hartford. He was always helpful and had just the best sense of humor. My most sincere condolences to Elizabeth and Andrew, your Dad was a great guy and I am deeply saddened by his passing.
John Hvizda
February 22, 2011
When I transferred from Delaware to Hartford in the mid-70's, Bill and I had apartments in Century Hills, and he showed great hospitality in introducing me to his many friends. He was a personable, nice guy, with a dry sense of humor. Rest in peace, friend.
Katherine Barniak
February 22, 2011
My sincere condolences to you, Elizabeth & Andrew. I was surprised when I read of your father's passing.I remember coming to your house in West Hartford & visiting when I worked at Phoenix with your mother Pam. My daughter Jenna played with you a few times.I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Kathy Barniak (fka Cloutier)
Tom Gruber
February 21, 2011
I came to Travelers with the Aetna sale..what could have been a difficult time was made much easier by the wonderful people who I met and who welcomed us to the new company. Bill was at the point of that welcoming group. He became a friend and someone I had the utmost respect for. His great sense of humor made even the most difficult times bearable. My condolences to Bill's family and other friends. We have lost someone special
Susan Sienko
February 21, 2011
I am deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. I worked for and with him for many years and always enjoyed our association and friendship. He knew his business but always kept humanity as part of the professional relationship. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Dean Williams
February 21, 2011
I first met Bill in 1971 when he visited the Travelers Office in Charleston, WV. He was witty, bright & humorous. In my over 30 years of being associated with Bill, this never changed. Bill made a substantial contribution to the development of today's personal insurance. A real gentleman. He will be missed.
February 21, 2011
My heartfelt condolenses for your loss. I worked with him at HomeWise and went to several baseball games with him. He was a very nice man.
The Krivoruchka Family.
Ed Charlebois
February 20, 2011
Bill was a great friend, co-worker and lunch buddy at Travelers. He was so proud of Elizabeth and Andrew. He spoke of them every day. I hope I told him enough what a great job he and Pam did in raising them. Bill was so committed to what he did - at work, at home, at the Congregational Church in West Hartford, and, of course, at hockey with his over 50 team. I learned so much in spending time with Bill. We will all miss having him in our world. My deepest sympathies to Elizabeth and Andrew.
Frank DiRenzo
February 20, 2011
Worked many years with Bill. He was very helpful and always had a smile and a great laugh. Very professional and a great guy.
Bob Hardesty
February 20, 2011
Bill and I worked together in Systems Liaison at Travelers back in the 70s. I believe he was the reason I moved to New England, to constantly remind him of the Bruins-Flyers rivalry. I'll miss him greatly, his quick sense of humor, mutual enjoyment of Irish songs, and his long-term friendship. My heartfelt sympathy for his family, for Andrew, Elizabeth and Bobby, his hockey teammate, all of whom he spoke frequently and caringly. Goodbye, "Wilbur", old friend!
Dayle DeCarlo
February 20, 2011
I worked for Bill many years at Travelers. He was my friend as well as my boss and I will miss him. My heart goes out to Liz and Andrew.
Robert Sparkes
February 19, 2011
Bill, I will never forget all that you've done for me!
February 19, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your family member.
He will be in our prayers.
Don Laroche and family,
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