Richard “Dick” Howard Sparks, age 78, of Collegeville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Paoli Hospital. Born in Norristown, Dick was the son of the late Purington Fenton Sparks and Alice Statia (née Bradely) Sparks, and a brother to the late Purington “Sonny” Sparks and late Dorris Hopkinson.  He was a devoted husband of Charlotte (née Zielinski) Sparks since October 11, 1969, the loving father of Melanie Sparks and Heather Hurwitz and the proud grandfather of Joseph Morello, Madison Morello, Jake Morello, Taylor Hurwitz, Reilly Hurwitz, Makenzie Hurwitz and Danielle Sosa.

Mr. Sparks was a graduate of Norristown High School, Class of 1965. In October of 1966, he joined the U.S. Army, serving our country until his Honorable Discharge in July of 1968. He was awarded The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Service Star. His years in the military framed him for whom he became as a young adult and years later as an active Disabled Veteran.  While he could, he volunteered his time driving vets to and from doctor’s appointments.  He was proud of his service and appreciated anytime someone would thank him for his service.  He had a long and fulfilling career as a self-employed building contractor, until he retired in 2000. His happiest years were with his family, his wife, two daughters, their husbands David and Danny, and seven grandchildren.  He and Charlotte enjoyed traveling; they loved cruising the Caribbean and seeing new things around our country.  He fell in love with Florida, like his brother Sonny did years before, and ended up buying a property that he enjoyed for 24+ years on the west coast in Port Charlotte. He enjoyed many trips to his second home where he would fish, swim in his pool and work around the yard. He loved deep sea fishing from the Gulf in Florida to the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware and New Jersey.  He would return to his family, and they would always celebrate with a big “Fish Fry”. 

Richard's memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM from the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 19 E. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, Pa 19401. 

Friends may call on Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, with Military Honors.

The family would appreciate Memorial Donations to Disabled American Veterans, Chapter #25, 700 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460-1890, 610-935-0296, davchapter25.org.

Arrangements are by The Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home, Swedesburg, Keith J. Murphy, F.D., 610-275-6385, www.gutkowskifunerals.com