Rita Sparks

Angela, Judy, Tony, your spouses and children:
Someone has made a mark on an area when there is no need to use their surname. The NBA had "Michael", the PGA "Arnie" and the PSC had "Rita". Rita Spark's wisdom, humor, energy, strength of character and empathy for others were legendary. She was unique.
Rita however lived and worked for her family. The difficult drive from Schenectady, the second job following a long work day, her conversations with close friends were all about parenting,...

My deepest condolences go out the the entire Sparks family...What else can be said. Rita was an awesome woman.

PS. Her eggplant Parm was the best!

Godspeed Rita.

Eric (Rick) Van Sleet

Dear AUNT RITA
U WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY US ALL!! I will especially remember Your support to my mother and brother when u didn't have to. Our phone conversations were ALWAYS INTERESTING AND INTRIGING to SAY THE LEAST!! Every conversation with u was a learning experience !!Tony, Judy and Angie have the rest of their lives to be proud of having you as their mother!!!!Give our Mom, Dad and brothers a kiss for us and Uncle Walt too!!
RIP. LOVE YOU. YOUR NIECES RHONDA &...

When there is no need to use a surname to identify a person, you know that individual has made quite a mark. The NBA had "Michael"; the PGA had "Arnie"; the PSC had "Rita". She was famous for her humor, energy, empathy, wisdom, and, on very rare occasions, willingness to engage an adversary (who usually became a friend).
All who knew Rita recognized that she lived for her family. The long drive to Albany, the full days at work - followed at times by a second job, everything was for...

we've lost a great friend, mother, bowler, cook and so many other hats . RIP mom 2, u will always be in my thoughts and prayers

To The Sparks Children, I remember your parents from when I was a young girl. I'm pretty sure your Dad & my Dad (John Wilson) worked together at the NYS Ed. Bldg. & I remember our parents bowling together in a league at the Palladium. My Dad called your Dad by his nick name, "Sparky". I am remembering you all in my prayers. Nancy (Daughter of John & Rose Wilson)

Ms.Sparks. My adopted Mother. Thank you.

Thank you for the letting me become part of your family. Thank you for welcoming me into your family like a son. Your guiding hand and kind words will continue to resonate with me. You have touched my soul with love as only a Mother could. I will forever remember our conversation and times together. I love you and will miss you. Your spirit will be a part of me always. Blessing to you on your journey.

Keith Brown

Rita Sparks was exactly like her name, a spark of joy in this troubled world. I'll miss the most her sensible, down to earth conversation, especially her politics.
If everyone was like her there would be little strife in the world.

Rita was an amazing woman. I can only imagine her up in heaven with my mom, telling her to mind her P's and Q's, and laughing all the while.
Rita wasn't afraid of a good argument, especially of a political nature.
I'll miss her joy, most of all.