ForeverMissed
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Joseph David Sparks Jr., 78, of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, on February 25, 2023, went to the Lord peacefully, after suffering complications of sudden cardiac arrest.

Joe was raised in Turnersville, New Jersey.The eldest child of Joseph and Lena Sparks, he grew up alongside his brother Richard, sister Barbara, and brother Tom. His early life was spent doing the things he loved and continued to do for his whole life. This usually involved sports and other outdoor activities. His real passion was making his bicycle faster, which led to working with anything that had wheels, particularly cars.

The Sparks family owned and operated a very successful Sunoco gasoline station in Turnersville in the 1940's through 1970. Joseph was a big part of this operation, along with his father, brothers, sister, and uncles. It was a true family affair.It was this experience that fostered his desire to help people in need—he cared a lot about his customers, and looked at them as friends. The countless patrons of the Sparks' station impacted him deeply.He adopted the principles of his father and mother, and would often quote them to everyone!

Joe was a 1963 graduate of Williamstown High school, where he excelled in mechanics, and he continued his education in electrical technologies at ETC in Pennsauken, New Jersey. It was there that he met Mary Francis Campbell in 1969, and his life was changed forever. After many repeated attempts to attract her attention, he put his automotive knowledge to important use: “You're tire pressure in your '65 Chevrolet looks low, Mary. I'll take care of it for you,” he would say. This continued with other comments and attempts to win her heart. She could not resist him. They were married in 1970, and within a few years, God blessed them with three children: Michael, John and Michele. Priorities changed for Joe; his family was now the focus of his attention. Coaching his children's sports activities, and being involved in their upbringing in the Catholic Faith, were important to him. In the early eighties, he became a quality control inspector for the aerospace divisions of RCA, GE and Lockheed Martin Corporations. He was very proud of this employment, as he worked on military satellites and the part they played in the national security of our great nation.

Joe spent his eighteen retirement years doing what he enjoyed most, which usually involved three things: Fords, Pontiacs and Volkswagens—in that order. He enjoyed sharing this hobby with his sixteen grandchildren. He also was very proud of the care he was able to provide for his mother-in-law, Mary Campbell, as she spent her last years with them at their home. Joe was also a generous man to his children, assisting with the building of their homes. When it came to caring about others, he always had a special place in his heart for expectant mothers. He would often pray many Rosaries and various prayers for each mom that he knew.

Joe considered himself to have a very complete and full life. He was a great story teller, and also a great listener. He thanked God for every new day he was given, but when the time came, was ready to be called home to God.

His most famous motto: “I'm taking it one day at a time.”

Joe is survived by his loving and faithful wife of fifty-two years, Mary Frances, his son Michael (Jeanette Melnick), son John (Emily Neary), daughter Michele (Philip Hengel), his sister Barbara, and his brother Tom. Predeceased by his parents Joseph David and Lena Agnes, and brother Richard (Brenda Hoffpauir)

Proud grandfather to:  Lauren and Addy Hengel, Michael, Dominic, Christian and Matthew Sparks; Emily, John (Julia Giermek), Christine, Matthew, Andrew, Joseph, Vincent, Blaise, Nicholas and Marylynne Sparks, and his great-grandchild, John Paul Sparks, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to his Viewing on Friday, March 3, from 6-9:00 PM, with Rosary at 8:15, at FERTIG FUNERAL HOME, 63 N. Main Street, Mullica Hill, New Jersey;

Another Viewing will be held on SATURDAY, March 4, from 9-9:45 at ST.JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1402 E 10th, St. Eddystone, PA,19022, followed by the Requiem Mass there at 10:00 AM. Interment immediately following in St. Joseph Cemetery, Swedesboro, New Jersey.




March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023
Rich and Gail Minehart                        Joe was a wonderful guy,always willing to give a handshake or a hug and always had a warm smile. He would even help out with a crying baby. He will be truly missed and always remembered. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all his family
March 5, 2023
March 5, 2023
To a beautiful soul who will be missed, what can I say there are no words. It’s truly been a pleasure to have known you. For the smile on your face and the touch of your hand. Also reassuring me to take one day at a time. You will always be an inspiration to me. Having not been able to attend your services, saddens my soul, but just know my friend, you’re in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Rest in peace Mr. Sparks. From hoping one day to see you again. God bless you.
March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023
Mr. Sparks always had a kind word for every soul he came in contact with. I remember how often he greeted any new person at church and immediately welcomed them into the family. He always knew when I was in times of stress bc he would always find me and tell me he was praying for me. He took me and my husband (a convert) under his wing and always stopped to say hello and offer us some advice and encouragement, especially during some very difficult crosses we faced. He and Mary always found ways to make us smile especially bc we shared May wedding anniversaries. I will miss his warm smile and his peaceful countenance in church. I have no doubt he will still be taking care of all if us.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Joe always was asking about the family and offered his prayers for us in times of illness and tribulation. He always had a smile and a welcoming handshake. We called him the unofficial Mayor of St Jude's. His impact and example on all of us who attended Mass there cannot be overestimated. His love for his wife and family were palpable. I have a hard time imagining not seeing him there, but I know his lasting presence will be felt.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Our family has a special place in our hearts for Joe and Mary; they were my sponcers when I was confirmed in the traditional Catholic faith. I was very sorry to hear about his passing; he always had a story to tell and was always there to listen and offer advise when needed. He will be sadly missed! RIP.
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
As a newer member of St. Jude's parish years ago, Joe was always welcoming and friendly, and that was greatly appreciated. I always enjoyed talking with him, and he will be missed. May he quickly know the fullness of joy in the Savior's presence.

David Bizal
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
I am very sorry to hear the news Ms. Hengel. Words are never sufficient at a time like this but I do hope you remain strong and hold on to the memories of your dad and this will make him ever present in your life. Stay strong and I wish you strengh during this time. Be well.

Major Robert Simpson

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Recent Tributes
March 9, 2023
March 9, 2023
Rich and Gail Minehart                        Joe was a wonderful guy,always willing to give a handshake or a hug and always had a warm smile. He would even help out with a crying baby. He will be truly missed and always remembered. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all his family
March 5, 2023
March 5, 2023
To a beautiful soul who will be missed, what can I say there are no words. It’s truly been a pleasure to have known you. For the smile on your face and the touch of your hand. Also reassuring me to take one day at a time. You will always be an inspiration to me. Having not been able to attend your services, saddens my soul, but just know my friend, you’re in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Rest in peace Mr. Sparks. From hoping one day to see you again. God bless you.
March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023
Mr. Sparks always had a kind word for every soul he came in contact with. I remember how often he greeted any new person at church and immediately welcomed them into the family. He always knew when I was in times of stress bc he would always find me and tell me he was praying for me. He took me and my husband (a convert) under his wing and always stopped to say hello and offer us some advice and encouragement, especially during some very difficult crosses we faced. He and Mary always found ways to make us smile especially bc we shared May wedding anniversaries. I will miss his warm smile and his peaceful countenance in church. I have no doubt he will still be taking care of all if us.
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