Theodore Sprague

Theodore M. Age 80, of Corning died Wednesday, September 29, 2004, at the Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital. Born in Corning, he was the son of Lloyd and Iva Sprague and attended local schools. After serving as a lieutenant and pilot in the US Army Air Corp in WWII he graduated from Cornell University in 1949. He then joined his father at L.D. Sprague & Son Insurance, pioneering the use of computer technology in the insurance business. Ted was active in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary (serving as President in both organizations) and the United Way. He was instrumental in forming the Three Rivers Development Corporation in 1966 and continued to serve on its board until his death. As a founding member of the Market Street Restoration Agency, Ted contributed to the restoration of several buildings on Market Street with the assistance of his wife, Mary Ann. Creating a healthy community requires participation, dedication, and passion. Ted was a visionary who exemplified all three. Founder of the Wine Glass Marathon, Ted was a strong advocate for physical activity and exercise, competing in several marathons including Boston and New York. He also competed in regional, national and international rowing regattas and was the first rower to be inducted into the Corning-Painted Post Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. As an avid glider pilot he participated in several soaring meets in the 70's and 80's. Other interests included piloting his own airplane for business and pleasure, scuba diving and skiing. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ann; his son, Andy (Nicole) Sprague of Corning; his daughter, Mary Ann (Joe) Erickson of Durango, CO; his daughter, Nell (Ned) Massee of Fairfield, CT; grandchildren, Ned Massee, Jr., Peter Massee, Charlie Erickson, Andy Erickson, Martine Sprague; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2004, at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning, NY, with Reverend Jorge Gutierrez officiating. A reception will follow in the Houghton Lounge. Phillips Funeral Home Inc. in Corning, has been entrusted with arrangements. The family will provide the flowers, and ask that memorial donations be made in Ted's name to the National Soaring Museum, 51 Soaring Hill Dr., Elmira, NY or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 51 Locust Ave., Suite 201, New Canaan, CT 06840.