Fredrick Ralph Sponseller of Laurel, passed away on Sept. 20 at BayHealth Kent Campus in Dover. He was born on May 4, 1947 in Canton, Ohio to the late Ralph W. Sponseller and Joan Crain Sponseller. He graduated from Cherry Hill High School in the class of 1965. After graduation, he attended Kent State University in Kent, Ohio where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree; and later attended Central Michigan University earning his Master’s Degree. Fred proudly served in the United States Air Force and while serving he met his lovely wife Donna. They married and had two wonderful sons.
He retired from the Acme Pallet Company in Queens, NY. Fred and Donna were world travelers and had traveled to all seven continents, and just recently traveled to Antarctica. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge #27, Laurel Chamber of Commerce, enjoyed painting, taking piano lessons, and belonged to the Nanticoke Creek Watchers. Fred was a very talented writer, artist, and was a self-published author.
Fredrick is survived by wife of almost 53 years, Donna Kay Sponseller; sons, Alex Sponseller and his wife Jenna, and Hugh Sponseller and his wife Heather; grandchildren, Caleb, Eva, Evan, and Adriana; brother, Harry Sponseller; and sister, Judy Dravello. Several nieces and nephews also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jodi Sonye.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1-2 p.m. at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street in Laurel. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Joe LeCates will officiate. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made in Fredrick Sponseller’s honor to the Odd Fellows Lodge #27, P.O. Box 146, Laurel, Delaware 19956.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.