Robert Sparks

Robert “Bob” D. Sparks, 78, of Holden, Maine, passed away on October 04, 2024, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born July 22,1946 in Boston, MA, the son of Alice Sparks Sloan.

After attending Watertown Schools, he enlisted in the U.S Air force where he proudly served from 1964 to 1972. While stationed in Okinawa, Bob joined an Okinawan Karate School and trained for two years where he earned his first- degree black belt in Goju-Ryu. Upon returning to the States, Bob opened a school teaching his students the open hand and closed fist self-defense style of Karate promoting discipline, coordination and character development. It was here that he met his wife, Linda who was a student in his Women’s self-defense class. He appeared twice in the Masters’ competition in Madison Square Garden and represented the US in three international karate competitions as a member of the USA AAU Team which took honors in Bermuda and a second-place finish in the Dominican Republic.

Not one to sit still for long, Bob opened and ran a family clothing store, “The House of Jeans” in Arlington Center. He was active in the community and served as the President of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Bob and Linda eventually sold their home and business and moved to Maine in 1982, buying Grants Trash Disposal in September of that year. The business moved from Eddington to Brewer after rapid growth, and construction was started on a new building. In 1993, Bob sold Grant’s Trash Disposal to BFI and stayed on managing the district and later for Waste Management of Maine.

Bob went on to build and run Felt Brook Golf Center, the Brewer Transfer Station, and D&S Auto in Brewer. He was active in the Brewer Kiwanis Club and served a term as President.

Occasionally you meet people who leave a lasting impression. “Sparky” was one of those people. He was a hard worker who was not afraid to take on a challenge and create something special. He loved landscaping and spent hours tending his flower and vegetable gardens. Family vacations were always special. Bob loved to hunt, fish and enjoy time at EEGGS camp with his brothers from another mother. He was a devoted husband and loving father who always put family first.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 50 years, Linda (Merrill) Sparks of Holden; are his three children, Kim Grover and husband, Kenneth and favorite grandson, Jacob Grover, of Holden, Lindsey Sparks of Holden, Corey Sparks and wife, Angela Antone Sparks, of Orrington; sister, Ann Marie Barry and husband, Patrick Barry, of Watertown, MA; many special nieces and nephews; and his beloved companions, Bayley and Eddie. In addition to his mother, Bob was preceded by cousins, Wayne and Gary Sparks; an aunt and uncle, Maxwell and Maureen Sparks.

The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street in Bangor from 5-7pm, Friday, October 11, 2024. Interment will be private.