October 27, 2021
October 27, 2021
Happy Birthday to my dad. He would have been 81 today! Still hoping to get to Ireland and spread some ashes in his memory.
Hugh William Sprague Jr. passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Tucson, AZ on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at the age of 79. The family thanks everyone for their love and support over the past several months as we worked our way through this challenging journey.
Funeral services were held at Boakes Funeral home in Mays Landing, NJ on Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 followed by a military burial at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor coordinated beautifully with Last Salute.
The family asks that you support one of the following charities in Hugh’s name:
256 Aschwind Ct.
Galloway, NJ 08205
P.O. Box 422
Somers Point, NJ 08244
The full obituaries can be found by following the links below:
The Press of Atlantic City
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pressofatlanticcity/obituary.aspx?n=hugh-william-sprague&pid=196795446&fhid=20174
The Delaware State News
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newszapde/obituary.aspx?n=hugh-william-sprague&pid=196750853
Funeral services were held at Boakes Funeral home in Mays Landing, NJ on Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 followed by a military burial at the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor coordinated beautifully with Last Salute.
- Photos from Last Salute: https://lastsalute.us/lt-colonel-hugh-sprague/
- Video of eulogies given at the funeral home, which can also be found in a post under the LIFE tab above: https://vimeo.com/473594228/7baf55f232
The family asks that you support one of the following charities in Hugh’s name:
- Last Salute – find more information on Last Salute here or send your donations to:
256 Aschwind Ct.
Galloway, NJ 08205
- Egg Harbor Township Elks Lodge #2563 – Hugh was a prominent member for many years and wants to make sure they are still providing for the community for years to come. You can send donations payable to:
P.O. Box 422
Somers Point, NJ 08244
The full obituaries can be found by following the links below:
The Press of Atlantic City
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pressofatlanticcity/obituary.aspx?n=hugh-william-sprague&pid=196795446&fhid=20174
The Delaware State News
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newszapde/obituary.aspx?n=hugh-william-sprague&pid=196750853
Tributes
Leave a tribute
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
I would like to say how sorry I am to the whole family. He will be sorely missed.
I have been with Hugh for the last 20 years on Thanksgiving. He was there cheering on his granddaughters every year for the annual play that they would put on. It was such a treat, but then they got older and there weren’t any more plays. So my grandchildren became the entertainment for us.
He was always happy to see us when we walked in the door. I will miss his smiling face this Thanksgiving.
Rest In Peace Hugh! You will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️
I have been with Hugh for the last 20 years on Thanksgiving. He was there cheering on his granddaughters every year for the annual play that they would put on. It was such a treat, but then they got older and there weren’t any more plays. So my grandchildren became the entertainment for us.
He was always happy to see us when we walked in the door. I will miss his smiling face this Thanksgiving.
Rest In Peace Hugh! You will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
As President of the Wild Meadows HOA, I extend the Boards deepest sympathy to Hugh's family. He made all of us feel like part of his family.
Elaine and I offer our personal regards as well. We join you in sorrow upon the untimely loss of our good friend but reflect with joy on the life and love we shared. Hugh was so dedicated to the Community! We opted to use the quill to mark this note in special consideration to his prolific writing and correspondence, wherever he was. Anyone who questioned Hugh's ability to be an effective community leader while sunning in AZ just didn't know Hugh! I will miss my friend, and especially our discussions. His suggestions (and challenges) always led to a better solution. Peace. Dave & Elaine Weg
Elaine and I offer our personal regards as well. We join you in sorrow upon the untimely loss of our good friend but reflect with joy on the life and love we shared. Hugh was so dedicated to the Community! We opted to use the quill to mark this note in special consideration to his prolific writing and correspondence, wherever he was. Anyone who questioned Hugh's ability to be an effective community leader while sunning in AZ just didn't know Hugh! I will miss my friend, and especially our discussions. His suggestions (and challenges) always led to a better solution. Peace. Dave & Elaine Weg
September 5, 2020
September 5, 2020
Sending prayers and thoughts to the whole Sprague family. Patt and Ron Mathis
September 4, 2020
September 4, 2020
Although we hadn’t met very often, we developed a friendship & shared some special times. I appreciated that Pat kept me up to date with Hugh’s progress & I recall the day she shared with me that he was out of the ICU & we both said Hallelujah, he’s going to be O.K.! It was indeed great news. What a shock I got when I next went to contact Pat some two days later, to find that she was not taking messages...... my heart sank..........
My love & thoughts are with Pat & family.
I wish I could find the right words, but words
are quite inadequate at a time like this.
Pat knows that I was with her all the way, and I will keep her in my heart throughout the difficult days ahead.
My sincere condolences to Hugh’s family, & may he Rest In Peace.
My love & thoughts are with Pat & family.
I wish I could find the right words, but words
are quite inadequate at a time like this.
Pat knows that I was with her all the way, and I will keep her in my heart throughout the difficult days ahead.
My sincere condolences to Hugh’s family, & may he Rest In Peace.
September 4, 2020
September 4, 2020
So many great times with Hugh and family at birthday parties, golfing, and Holiday gatherings. Best memory of Hugh is when he took us all to Jacksonville in his RV and he let me drive that sucker. Gonna miss you, Hugh! Prayers to you and all the Spragues. Rest peacefully, my friend.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
October 27, 2021
October 27, 2021
Happy Birthday to my dad. He would have been 81 today! Still hoping to get to Ireland and spread some ashes in his memory.
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
I would like to say how sorry I am to the whole family. He will be sorely missed.
I have been with Hugh for the last 20 years on Thanksgiving. He was there cheering on his granddaughters every year for the annual play that they would put on. It was such a treat, but then they got older and there weren’t any more plays. So my grandchildren became the entertainment for us.
He was always happy to see us when we walked in the door. I will miss his smiling face this Thanksgiving.
Rest In Peace Hugh! You will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️
I have been with Hugh for the last 20 years on Thanksgiving. He was there cheering on his granddaughters every year for the annual play that they would put on. It was such a treat, but then they got older and there weren’t any more plays. So my grandchildren became the entertainment for us.
He was always happy to see us when we walked in the door. I will miss his smiling face this Thanksgiving.
Rest In Peace Hugh! You will be missed. ❤️❤️❤️
September 8, 2020
September 8, 2020
As President of the Wild Meadows HOA, I extend the Boards deepest sympathy to Hugh's family. He made all of us feel like part of his family.
Elaine and I offer our personal regards as well. We join you in sorrow upon the untimely loss of our good friend but reflect with joy on the life and love we shared. Hugh was so dedicated to the Community! We opted to use the quill to mark this note in special consideration to his prolific writing and correspondence, wherever he was. Anyone who questioned Hugh's ability to be an effective community leader while sunning in AZ just didn't know Hugh! I will miss my friend, and especially our discussions. His suggestions (and challenges) always led to a better solution. Peace. Dave & Elaine Weg
Elaine and I offer our personal regards as well. We join you in sorrow upon the untimely loss of our good friend but reflect with joy on the life and love we shared. Hugh was so dedicated to the Community! We opted to use the quill to mark this note in special consideration to his prolific writing and correspondence, wherever he was. Anyone who questioned Hugh's ability to be an effective community leader while sunning in AZ just didn't know Hugh! I will miss my friend, and especially our discussions. His suggestions (and challenges) always led to a better solution. Peace. Dave & Elaine Weg
Gallery
Hugh Sr., Hughie & Jimmie
Hugh Sr, Hughie & Jimmie
Hughie, 15 years old
Hughie, Johnny & Barbara 1953
GODFATHER
SIBLINGS
His Life
Speeches from the Funeral at Boakes Funeral Home
October 29, 2020
Here is a link to watch Hugh's Funeral Service from Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 at Boakes Funeral Home in Mays Landing, New Jersey. The service begins with an introduction from Keith Boakes, the Funeral Director, then is followed by speeches from:
Michael Sprague
Barbara Boehmer
Susie and Kayla Parkowski
Then Chuck Knutson from Last Salute explains what will happen next for the procession to the Cemetery. Michael Sprague carries Hugh's ashes out to the caravan and Uncle Johnny Sprague carries the flag.
Click here to watch: https://vimeo.com/473594228/7baf55f232
Michael Sprague
Barbara Boehmer
Susie and Kayla Parkowski
Then Chuck Knutson from Last Salute explains what will happen next for the procession to the Cemetery. Michael Sprague carries Hugh's ashes out to the caravan and Uncle Johnny Sprague carries the flag.
Click here to watch: https://vimeo.com/473594228/7baf55f232
80th Birthday
October 28, 2020
Yesterday would have been dad's 80th birthday. We were making plans for a family trip to Ireland to celebrate even before COVID hit. Once we're allowed to travel, we still plan to go and sprinkle some of dad's ashes on the Emerald Isle to honor his heritage. Fun Fact: this photo was on the wall in one of the doctor's offices dad visited while in Arizona.
When road trips collide - May 27, 2009
September 6, 2020
It was late May in 2009 that Andrea and I had packed up our U-Haul, hooked up the trailer with her car and headed to California. Mom and dad were still on the road, enjoying the last leg of their adventure before heading back to NJ to resume custody of the Egg Harbor Twp. household in Northfield Estates. As we kept in touch with them, we figured out that we would be crossing paths somewhere in the Midwestern US.
On May 27, 2009 (which happens to be Andrea's birthday), we connected with the parents somewhere in Kansas. We found a parking lot that would accommodate big vehicles that were towing trailers and met up with some Starbucks to share our road trip stories (we had spent 5 weeks on the road prior to the move).
It might have only been an hour or so, but it was one of those timeless moments that we will never forget.
On May 27, 2009 (which happens to be Andrea's birthday), we connected with the parents somewhere in Kansas. We found a parking lot that would accommodate big vehicles that were towing trailers and met up with some Starbucks to share our road trip stories (we had spent 5 weeks on the road prior to the move).
It might have only been an hour or so, but it was one of those timeless moments that we will never forget.
Recent stories
September 8, 2020
I have known Hugh and Pat for over 23 years now. We met when my son, Michael, and their daughter, Sue, decided to get married. From that point in time we were not just “in-laws”, we became family and good friends. We shared lots of holidays, birthdays, and just family gatherings together. We also shared two beautiful granddaughters. Which brings me to a great story about Hugh. It really should be Kayla’s story, but it brings a smile to my face every time I think of it.
My husband, Bruce, was outside with Kayla on one of her visits. Bruce was putting a new seat on the swing set we had out back. Apparently he was having trouble loosening one of the old screws that had rusted on the swing set. Kayla, who was about 3 or 4 years old at the time, turned to PopPop Bruce, and said “too bad the handy PopPop isn’t here.” She was referring to PopPop Hugh. She had always watched PopPop Hugh fixing things at home or bringing his tool box to her house to fix something. Hugh certainly was a handy man to have around. I will miss his smiling face at our family gatherings, but I know he will always be there with us in our hearts smiling down on us with PopPop Bruce. Rest In Peace
My husband, Bruce, was outside with Kayla on one of her visits. Bruce was putting a new seat on the swing set we had out back. Apparently he was having trouble loosening one of the old screws that had rusted on the swing set. Kayla, who was about 3 or 4 years old at the time, turned to PopPop Bruce, and said “too bad the handy PopPop isn’t here.” She was referring to PopPop Hugh. She had always watched PopPop Hugh fixing things at home or bringing his tool box to her house to fix something. Hugh certainly was a handy man to have around. I will miss his smiling face at our family gatherings, but I know he will always be there with us in our hearts smiling down on us with PopPop Bruce. Rest In Peace
Captain Hugh Sprague
September 7, 2020
First off, my condolences to the Sprague Family and loved ones. It is supposed to be with sorrow that I remember Hugh, but it is not that way. Captain Sprague came into my military career early on and I will always be thankful to him for his patience, his soft mannered way, and his shared knowledge and experience. Most of what I learned at the 177th ARNG in Pomona, New Jersey was from a very select handful of soldiers and Hugh Sprague was #1 in that handful...Rest in Peace CPT Sprague...
Mary Jo Ryan-Brown
Ret CPT NJARNG
Mary Jo Ryan-Brown
Ret CPT NJARNG
Behind the photo - departing on the road trip
September 6, 2020
This is the day mom & dad left on their epic 20 month long road trip all over the United States. Mom is waving a flag (which I can't remember what it was) as they were driving down the road about a mile to a parking lot where dad could hook up the Honda as a tow vehicle behind the motor home (called a "toad"). They could park the RV anywhere, unhook the car and take as many day trips as they wanted before heading to the next destination. Such a great opportunity for them to explore our country.