Gerrard Leonard Sparta Jr.

Gerrard "Jerry" L. Sparta, born at Hackensack Hospital Oct. 23, 1943 and a lifelong resident of Lyndhurst passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025. He moved 5 times and never left Lyndhurst. He was the beloved son of the late Gerrard L. Sparta, Sr. and Antoinette Sparta. He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary of 61 years. Also his sons, Richard and his wife Meg and Kenneth and his wife Claudia and his brother Stephen and his wife Barbara. His sister Judith Ann passed away in 1956. His 3 grandchildren, Alexa, Jessie, and Timothy were his shining stars that he adored "to the moon and back," and "I'll always love you more."
Jerry graduated from Lyndhurst HS in 1960 and Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1964. He served in the New Jersey National Guard in Jersey City from 1964 to 1970. He worked for Prudential Ins. Co., Shearson Hammil, National Council on Comp. Ins., Johnson & Higgins and retiring from Marsh & McClennan as an Assistant Vice President in 2005. He loved all sports, especially the Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Giants, New York Knicks, and New York Rangers. He coached the American Legion sponsored Babe Ruth baseball team for 20 years. He followed the Lyndhurst High School wrestling team for over 50 years. He was a very active member of the Lyndhurst American Legion Post 139. He was a Past Commander for 2 years, Post Finance Officer for almost 30 years, and Post Baseball Chairman and coach for 27 years. He served as the Bergen County American Legion Baseball Secretary for 25 years, District Baseball Chairman, State Baseball Vice Chairman, and State Baseball Chairman for 4 years. He loved running into some of his old players and they still called him "coach" He also belonged to the Lyndhurst Veterans Alliance serving as Finance Officer for over 30 years.
He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Senior Group, Mt. Carmel Holy Name Society, and AARP Chapter #4866. He enjoyed going to Atlantic City until walking became a problem. He loved playing poker and video poker online lately.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 3 - 8 PM. All will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 5 at 9 AM then to Mount Carmel Church, Lyndhurst where a funeral mass will be offered at 10 AM. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington. You may express your condolences to Jerry's family by using our tribute wall.