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.