Robert "Bob" A. Sprague

Robert “Bob” A. Sprague, 73, of Norwalk and formerly of New London died on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.  He was born on November 23, 1946 in New London, OH, son of the late Ray and Agnes (Tough) Sprague. 

Bob was a 1964 graduate of New London High School.  He graduated from Oberlin School of Commerce and the University of Wisconsin, School of Banking.  He served as the branch manager at New London National City and Assistant Vice President of National City Bank for many years.  In the early 90’s he owned and operated the Subway franchises in Bellevue and Clyde.  He was a member of the Jaycees and the New London Rotary.  Upon retirement Bob decided to drive a semi-truck across the country in order to see the country and fell in love with the West.  He frequented North and South Dakota often. 

Bob was an Eagle Scout, he enjoyed a 7 day backpacking camping trip with his troop, best friend and fellow Eagle Scout Larry Walton at Camp Filmont, New Mexico.  He always shared tales and adventures of this trip, family frequently watched slides of his Filmont trip.  Bob appreciated history and loved to travel to national parks, national civil war battlefields, Madison county and spending time out West with Carol. 

Bob loved to engage in political conversation at any chance he had and was always up to date on everything.    He was a fan of the Cleveland Indians, Browns, Cavs and The Ohio State Buckeyes.  He cherished his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports, being themselves and being a part of their many adventures.  They enjoyed spending time as a family by the lake and especially the Marblehead lighthouse. 

Bob had a booming laugh, was a sarcastic jokester, always honest, stubborn and full of Scottish temper.  Yet he always made everyone feel welcomed.  Known by many as “Dad Bob”, he embraced friends as family.  Left to cherish his memories are daughter and son in law, Sarah and Jason Steffanni; grandchildren, Zachary, Landon and Sophia; special son, Stephen Edward (D’Marie) and grandchildren; Issac, Andrew, Ryan, Chelsea, Ashley and Aiden.  In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his companion, Carol Knaack and his brother Glenn Sprague. 

To honor Bob’s wishes, private family graveside services were held at the Grove Street Cemetery, New London.  Memorial donations may be directed to MetroHealth Medical Center NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Attn: Gerri McDonnell or Dr. Marc Collin, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109.  Eastman Funeral Home, New London assisted the family with arrangements. Please share your memories and condolences with the family at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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