Obituary of Joseph Richard Sprouse

Joseph Richard (Dick) Sprouse 82, of Venice, FL, passed away peacefully from complication associated with heart disease on April 4, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Brenda J. (Sirianni) Sprouse, two sons and their wives Curtis R. and Stephenie B. Sprouse of Ipswich, MA and Michael A. and Marianne Sprouse of Washington, PA. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Luke, Max, Maia, Matthew and Marissa Sprouse. Dick will be missed deeply by his younger sister M. Yvonne Buser of Altoona, PA. J. Richard was predeceased by his father Peter F. Sprouse and mother Mary B. Sprouse and brother-in-law Timothy A. Buser.

Dick was a devoted Catholic with a deep faith that was the foundation of his love for his family and all aspects of his life. Dick lived a very full life, being the first in his family to graduate from college. He also served honorably in the US Coast Guard, both active duty as well as many years in the reserve. 

Dick was a committed and loyal employee and accomplished entrepreneur, who for over 30 years was one of the top salespeople for the Standard Register Company headquartered in Dayton OH. At the same time, he started and ran numerous businesses that included an insurance adjustment company, restaurant, gas station, retails stores and multiple apartment buildings. Dick did not just buy apartment buildings; he developed and implemented a successful model that focused on rehabilitating abandoned schools.

Dick and his wife Brenda raised their two boys in McMurray, PA. Together, they maintained homes in Pennsylvania and Florida for over 45 years. Dick was involved in his communities, serving as an officer for the Peter’s Township High School football boosters, President of his Colony Gardens Condominium Association in Naples, FL and as an officer for the Rollings Hills Country Club in McMurray, PA. Each time he held an office he led significant transformations of the organization, leading record-breaking fund-raising initiatives for the boosters and large construction projects for the condominium complex and golf course. He left each situation financially and aesthetically better than he found them.

Dick was an avid golfer and member of multiple country clubs in Pennsylvania and Florida. He loved to compete. He deeply enjoyed sports and found great pleasure watching his children and grandchildren play sports, perform in concerts and dance in high school and college.  Dick was a devoted Steelers, Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins fan and he loved a good college football or basketball game.

Dick loved to tell a story and a good joke. He had a great laugh and knew how to have fun. He was an intense listener and student of life. Being a voracious reader, he took great pleasure in learning and expanding his mind up to the very end.

Dick deeply enjoyed time with his family and friends, from time out on a boat, a round of golf at the club or numerous dinners with family and friends. He loved conversation and learning about what people did, and he passed this interest in people to his children and grandchildren.  He taught us all how to live with great passion, curiosity and joy. He often said, "just remember the good times, the enjoyable times, the humorous times we all have shared, and remember how blessed we have been". 

A memorial Service will be held for Dick on May 6, 2022 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Osprey, FL at 10:00 am followed by a celebration of his life at the Venetian Golf and River Club.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 425 S Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229 or a charity of your choice. JR Sprouse will be interned at Calvary Cemetery in Altoona, PA.