ROLAND LEONARD SPARLING

MEMORIAL DONATIONS MAY BE MADE IN ROLAND'S NAME TO: NEW HOPE FOOD PANTRY MILTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 316 DOVER-MILTON ROAD OAK RIDGE, NJ. 07438 MEMORIAL SERVICE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 2PM MILTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 316 DOVER MILTON ROAD MILTON, NEW JERSY 973-697-3194 Roland L. Sparling, 83 years, of Oak Ridge, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. He was born on June 6, 1939 in Trenton, NJ to the late Helen R. (nee Murphy) and the late Roland F. Sparling. Roland graduated from Trenton State College in 1961, receiving his Bachelors Degree to Teach Physical Education. From 1961 to 1988, Roland was a Physical Education Teacher and Coach at Jefferson Township Public Schools. In 1995 he started his second career as the Recreation Director for the township of Jefferson creating many notable programs and fields for the youth and citizens of Jefferson. He retired from this position in 2010. Throughout the years, Roland volunteered for many Jefferson Township Community events. In his spare time, Roland enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping, and reading. Roland was predeceased by his first wife Joan in 1984 and his second wife Madelyn in 2014; his mother Helen in 1998; his father Roland in 1987; his brother Frank Sparling in 2000, and his son-in-law Ervin Shipps in 2008. He is survived by his loving children Rick Sparling and his spouse Jodie; Joy Patterson and her spouse Mark, Jill Anderson and her spouse James, and Jeri Ships; his cherished grandchildren April Sparling and her spouse Taylor, Joseph Sparling and his spouse Bridget, Megan Patterson and her spouse Oana, Becky Patterson, Eileen Anderson and her spouse Brandon, Robert Anderson, Cody, Dylan, and Paul H. Shipps; his one adored great grandchild Dean Richard Sparling, his sisters Helen Kramer, and Edith Clair, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2pm at the Milton United Methodist Church, 316 Dover Milton Road, Milton, NJ 07438. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Roland’s name to the New Hope Food Pantry, Milton United Methodist Church, 316 Dover-Milton Road, Oak Ridge, NJ.07438. On line condolences and directions to the church: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com.

ROLAND LEONARD SPARLING

June 6, 1939 - February 8, 2023