Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1934
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
David Sprague Obituary
(June 26, 1934 - Nov. 22, 2016)
David died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. His wife of 64 years, Phyllis Besemer Sprague, was at his side. He was born in Binghamton, the son of the late William Arthur Sprague and Monica Mullins Sprague. David wore many different hats during his career with Gannett Corporation, retiring in 2000 as Senior Project Manager. His career with Gannett spanned 50 years and took him to various property locations around the United States, but he always considered Ithaca his home. David enjoyed many years of retirement at his home on Cayuga Lake's Hibiscus Harbor where he spent much of his time fishing. He loved life and his very large family, and he always kept us smiling with his dry, witty sense of humor. We could always count on him to make us laugh. For the past several years he looked forward to his monthly luncheons with "the boys". In addition to Phyllis, David is also survived by his children, Nancy Cleveland (Daniel), David, Lawrence (Dawn), Kathleen Suisman (Gary), James (Shannon), Carol (Timothy Bordoni), Lynn Bobb (William), 16 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving David are his brothers, William and Michael, and sisters, Maureen Morgan, Sue Katsampus and Mary Sprague, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by Mary Hastings Sprague; his brother, Richard; sister, Patricia Lazaroni; daughter in-law, Mary Ellen Sprague (Zizzi), and his grandson, Christopher Bordoni. A Mass of The Resurrection will be celebrated by Fr. Joseph Marcoux on Saturday, December 03, 2016 at 11 am at St. Catherine of Siena Church. The family will greet friends immediately following the mass in the parish center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tompkins County Project Lifesaver, (tompkinscounty.gov/sheriff), Hospicare and Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County (hospicare.org), or Alzheimer's Association (alz.org/centralnewyork). Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Sprague
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Lisa Sprague
December 3, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of David's passing.I have many happy memories of this wonderful man.Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Mike Terry
November 28, 2016
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I remember spending many an evening at 209 W. Green St (Bangs Ambulace) waiting for calls.
Beth Prentice
November 28, 2016
Thys and I are very sorry to hear of this passing and send love to the family.
Debbie Burruss
November 27, 2016
We are sadden to hear of David's passing. May you all find comfort from the memories of the wonderful, compassionate life he shared with all.
Jody Zizzi
November 26, 2016
Very sorry for your loss.
Betty David
November 26, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Rick Wallace
November 26, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Sprague family.
Buzz Ciccheti
November 26, 2016
To the Sprague family, sorry for your loss.
Jamie Bernard
November 24, 2016
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing-You are all in our thoughts and prayers-
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in David Sprague's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for David Sprague
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Sprague's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
