Obituary of Robert George Sprague

Robert George Sprague passed away on April 12, 2018 at his residence in Walden, NY. He was 79 years old. Bob was born in Hamilton Ave. Hospital in Monticello, NY on June 2, 1939, the first child of Gilbert Glenn Sprague and Elizabeth “Betty” (Dorhamer) Sprague. His family moved to Goshen, NY two years later where he spent his childhood. As a teenager, he developed a deep love for hot rods, muscle cars, airplanes and motorcycles. He purchased his first Harley Davidson at the age of 16. During high school and after graduation, he worked at Messenger’s Atlantic and Suresky & Son in Goshen and Post’s Atlantic Station in Middletown, NY as a mechanic. He graduated from Goshen Central High School in 1957 where he played varsity soccer and was in the model airplane club. He was a member of the Association of Former NYS Troopers. Bob joined the NY State Police as a Trooper on Jan. 2, 1962 and retired on June 26, 1996. He was assigned to Troop G, spending most of his time assigned to SP Leeds, NY. He then transferred to SP Middletown, NY where, he was promoted to the rank of T/Sgt in charge of the Troop F Communications Section. He was one of the last Troopers to drive a State Police Harley Davidson motorcycle before they were discontinued. Following retirement, he spent several years working at the Orange County Airport. Throughout most of his life, he was an avid pilot and loved flying his own Cessna plane. He also loved his Harley Davidsons and his Shelby Cobra sports car. In addition, his daily routine included taking care of his beloved dog, Lacy, and his horse, Bob. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Veronica “Ronnie” (McMahon) Sprague of Walden, NY and his two children, Christopher J. Sprague of Acra, NY and Laurie A. Cornelius of Delmar, NY; his 4 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his two brothers, William G. Sprague of Middletown, NY and James G. Sprague of Apalachin, NY. He was predeceased by his parents. A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, April 30th from 6-8 P.M. at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, 39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 12586. Funeral services will begin at 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.