Robert R. Spargo
July 3, 1923 — April 23, 2015
Robert R. (Bob) Spargo, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Crestview Acres Nursing Home, Marion.
A private memorial service was held. Per Bob’s wishes, his body was donated to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Survivors include his children, John Spargo of Cedar Rapids, Susan (Ron) Panella of Tampa, Florida; two grandchildren, Marcella (Jack) Fontan and David Sanchez, both of Tampa, Florida: and one great-grandchild, Hannah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his very special friend, Maralyn Hudson of Cedar Rapids and her extended family, whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away 25 years ago.
Bob was born on July 3, 1923, the son of Roy and Margaret Spargo in St. Louis, Missouri. A graduate of Horace Mann High School in St. Louis, he attended Junior College there for a brief period before joining the U.S. Navy in World War II. He served as a radar instructor until his discharge after the war, at which time he completed college at Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He continued his involvement with the Navy, ultimately serving as Commander of his local Navy Reserve unit in the Quad-Cities.
After college, Bob went to work for Standard Oil Company, and stayed with them his entire working career, retiring in 1985.
Bob was enthusiastic about sailboat racing, serving as Head Judge of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club for many years.
In his later years, a great interest Bob shared with Maralyn was dancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
A private memorial service was held. Per Bob’s wishes, his body was donated to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Survivors include his children, John Spargo of Cedar Rapids, Susan (Ron) Panella of Tampa, Florida; two grandchildren, Marcella (Jack) Fontan and David Sanchez, both of Tampa, Florida: and one great-grandchild, Hannah. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his very special friend, Maralyn Hudson of Cedar Rapids and her extended family, whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away 25 years ago.
Bob was born on July 3, 1923, the son of Roy and Margaret Spargo in St. Louis, Missouri. A graduate of Horace Mann High School in St. Louis, he attended Junior College there for a brief period before joining the U.S. Navy in World War II. He served as a radar instructor until his discharge after the war, at which time he completed college at Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He continued his involvement with the Navy, ultimately serving as Commander of his local Navy Reserve unit in the Quad-Cities.
After college, Bob went to work for Standard Oil Company, and stayed with them his entire working career, retiring in 1985.
Bob was enthusiastic about sailboat racing, serving as Head Judge of the Lake Davenport Sailing Club for many years.
In his later years, a great interest Bob shared with Maralyn was dancing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
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