Richard A. Sparacino

Richard Anthony Sparacino, 74, of Hanover, PA, entered God’s gentle care, Sunday, October 20th, 2024, at home with his loving wife and daughters by his side. 

Born June 25th, 1950, in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Anthony Joseph Sparacino and Joyce Patricia (Feigh) Hipsman.  Richard was the devoted husband of Cynthia (Deens) Sparacino. They began their lives together while both serving in the US Coast Guard, and through 40 years of loving marriage they remained loyal and steadfast to one other and to their three children.

Richard was a graduate of Proviso West High School, Hillside, IL, and attended Southern Illinois College. He was a man of honor, generosity and compassion with a great talent to make those around him laugh through his clever humor. He devotedly served his family and community to the end, from eagerly supporting his children through every life endeavor, to volunteering in numerous military, civic and church organizations in fundraising, outreach, council leadership, and more. Richard was the rare kind of man to befriend and remember everyone he met, making each person feel empowered.

A tireless veteran, Richard served his country proudly in the US Navy and Coast Guard for twenty-nine years, serving two consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. He enlisted in the Navy in August, 1971 and served nine years before transitioning as a First-Class Quartermaster to the US Coast Guard and promoted to Chief Petty Officer. He was selected for Officer Candidate School and commissioned as an Ensign in September 1984, and stood the watch for sixteen more years, retiring from active duty as a Lieutenant Commander. After military retirement, Richard continued to serve his country as a lead Readiness Defense Planner at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore for over fifteen years.

In addition to his loving wife Cindy, Richard is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Feigh Sparacino of Hanover, PA, and Victoria Carr Sparacino of Waterford, CT; and his sister, Jacqueline Theresa Sparacino of Lake Villa, IL. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved son, Vincent Deens Sparacino, who returned to God on October 3rd, 2015.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Suzanne Angers Deens, and his many cherished nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00AM, Monday, October 28th, 2024, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA, with the Rev. Kenneth D. Peterkin officiating. A visitation and time to share memories with the family will be held from 3:00-5:00PM, Sunday, October 27, 2024, and from 9:00-10:00AM, Monday, October 28, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Dubs Church Cemetery, Hanover, PA, with full military honors. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or to Not One More – York Chapter, 1325 E. Market Street, York, PA 17403.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard A. Sparacino, please visit our floral store.