January 12, 2023, Beloved husband of Zelda Sparks. Dear father of Martha Sparks and Aaron (Natalie Blackman) Sparks. Loving grandfather of Dahlia and Vanessa McWhorter. Dear brother of Harry (Laurie) Sparks and Joseph (Carol) Sparks.

Services: Funeral service Monday, January 16, 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road with interment to follow at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery. No visitation prior to service. Masks required for in person attendance. Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Shaare Emeth or to the Cultural Arts Department at the JCC. For more information, please go to www.rindskopfroth.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jan. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sparks

30 Entries

Cindy Halpern

August 23, 2023

Mr. Sparks was my history teacher in 11th grade at CHSE. He challenged me and befriended me as his student.
He and his wife couldn't come to my wedding because she was expecting their first child.
I am so sorry to hear of his death. May his memory always be a blessing!

Ronald Podell

August 2, 2023

Bob was a classmate at Amherst and a friend for 50 years now. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. He was as genuine and authentic a person as you could ever hope to meet. Very bright and curious. Caring and empathic. I know his love for music and singing was very intense. On one of his trips to Los Angeles, he took the time to drive up to my house. We live in the hills and have a great view of Santa Catalina Island on clear days. He came on a very clear day. He reminsced about how he only knew Catalina from the song he sang in the Glee club which references the island. He was truly thrilled and excited to see the real thing, and he seemed inspired by its beauty. I thought that was bob being himself in the most authentic way. He was able to actualize an inspirational and clearly spiritual experience he had from performing the song with the Glee club. So, the view was infused with a great deal of joy and good cheer. I was very happy to experience it with him.

And that was how I will always remember Bob.

Connie S Payne and Alan Payne

Sent Flowers

Jessica McGuire

January 19, 2023

Martha, Aaron, Zelda, and family:

I still tell people about the annual Lasagna and Show Tunes parties you held the day after Thanksgiving. I still remember the joy Bob radiated when he played song after song on the piano. I remember the warmth of his hugs and the caring eyes when he would engage you in a conversation. He was one in a million and he touched my life in the most positive way.

I love you all and am sending you all the love in the world. May his memory always and forever be a blessing.

David Kosberg

January 18, 2023

I would like to express my condolences, and I am sorry for your loss

Jennifer Blanco

Sent Flowers

Sherry Wolk

January 16, 2023

I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We worked together on the New Mt. Sinai Board. My sincere condolences to Zelda and your family.

Peter Fellman

January 16, 2023

Bob was a wonderful presence in the post-Cranston West world. Good friend to Don Babbitt and the entire merry band of drama participants at Cranston West and East, school year and summer shows, and always a voice to add in a Broadway line in conversations. I'm so sorry to learn of his illness and passing, but glad to know of his connection to all of his days, to all of his family and friends. Deep condolences to the entire Sparks and Silverberg families.

Jay & Carole Goldstein

January 16, 2023

A Life Well Lived!!!

Shelley Fishman

Sent Flowers

Bob and Bruce

January 16, 2023

We are sending our love. You and Bobby are in our thoughts.

Elaine Caldarone

January 16, 2023

I first met Bob when Paula and I were in high school. I remember thinking then that he fit perfectly into the Silverberg ethos of enthusiastic singing, Broadway musical loving, and lots of laughing. I’m so so sorry for your loss.

Ronne Beth Chalek (RI)

Sent Flowers

Farolyn Demars

January 15, 2023

I knew Bob from Ladue High. What a great man. My sincere condolences to the family

Dave Bennett

January 15, 2023

Over our 45 year friendship Bobby has been a stimulating, hilarious, and compassionate friend. His wit and wisdom will remain as long as I can hear his voice. Zelda, your patience and grit complemented Bob perfectly. Bob's friends admired you as a couple and love you both dearly. Williams may have beaten Amherst this season, but that only leaves the home record tied. Our bet ends a draw.

Allen Gardner

January 15, 2023

Dear Zelda, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time. Peace.

Charlie Struckhoff

January 15, 2023

Perry and Shirley were early customers of Duff’s and through them we met their son Bob. He was a delightful person and he always brought joy with him whenever he came to dine with us. Farewell Bob

Janis Valdes

January 15, 2023

You will most certainly live on in our hearts, dear Bobby. Every time we see a Broadway show, have a chance to sing around a piano, share a laugh with friends - you will be remembered with love.
Zelda, Martha, and Aaron, our hearts are with you at this time of loss. May his memory be a blessing, as his presence always was.

Daniel Plotkin

January 15, 2023

I'm so sad to learn of Bob's passing. During my years at B'nai El Bob was a trusted mentor, supporter, and friend. He was wise in his counsel and caring in his advice.

He was truly a mensch of the highest degree. His leadership in and love of community will be deeply missed.

Sandy Mayhugh

January 15, 2023

I was very shocked and saddened when I heard about Bob's passing. I worked for Bob at Lumberyard Supply for eight years and got to know how much he loved his family and, of course, Broadway. With me Bob was kind, understanding and very witty. Zelda, Martha, Aaron & family, you have my prayers and my sympathy.

Barbara Barnholtz

Sent Flowers

Christine Buck Mason

January 14, 2023

My family always expect to see Bob and Zelda at celebrations. Christmas Eve, birthdays and special gatherings. My sister, Beverly Brennan, was one of his best friends and we all came to love his humor, intellect, talent and caring attitude. Our late mother, Alyce Buck, loved Bob and Zelda and the feeling was mutual.
I’ve decided to make a donation to Places For People because Bob was such a “people” person. He knew how to light up a room just by being himself. RIP Bob, you are the simply the best !

Trudy Wellen

January 14, 2023

It made me very sad to hear about Bob. He was always a very kind person to me. May his beautiful memory be a blessing to Zelda, Martha, Aaron and their families.

Brad Layton

January 14, 2023

I was very sad to hear about Bob. What a wonderful person and friend. I know he immensely enjoyed life. He knew what was important.

I asked his advice a couple of times and was struck by his empathy and careful attention in listening. I will miss him.

"Enjoy every sandwich". Warren Zevon

Shelley Baskind

January 14, 2023

Overwhelmed and saddened by this news as Bobby and Zelda were a huge part of our life while living in St. Louis. Bobby was always ready to play a show tune for us and was integral in Laurens love of musical theater. He was funny, caring, and warm and when we schlepped our kids to malls, zoos, parks as our spouses worked.I would chuckle as Bobby would talk to anybody and make them laugh. He will be missed. Thank you Sparks for making us feel like family while we lived there.

Mike and Beverly Brennan

Planted Trees

Beverly Brennan

January 14, 2023

Bob Sparks was one of the best people in the world. He leaves an enormous void. But his kindness, humor and strength have impacted so many and he will be vividly and very fondly remembered. Our sympathy to Zelda, another exemplary human being, and to Bob’s entire family and his large group of friends. Bob lived largely, loved deeply and taught us all by example to love and appreciate life. His memory is a great blessing.
Mike and Beverly Brennan

Sue, Michael, Sasha & Nellie

January 14, 2023

Sending reassurance that his memory will never die for us, nor our love for all of you.

Barbara Barnholtz

January 13, 2023

Zelda and family, I’m so sorry about Bobby. He told great stories, loved his family, and he will be missed by so many. May his memory be a blessing.

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