John Frederick “Fred” Sprankle, 93, formerly of Pennersville Road, Blue Ridge Summit, PA where he resided for 56 years, passed away Monday afternoon, November 25, 2024, at Quincy Village, Waynesboro, PA.
Born January 19, 1931 in Fairfield, PA, on the family farm, he was the son of the late John W. and M. Pauline (Stouter) Sprankle. He graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Emmitsburg, MD, with the Class of 1950.
Fred served as sergeant with Maryland National Guard for 9 years.
He was employed as a time keeper with S.A. Healy Company for two years, where he was involved with the construction of Site R. He was employed as a manager for the Ugite Gas Company for 17 years, and worked in sales for Lutherville Equipment and Supply Co. for 5 years, before becoming employed as a machine operator with Mack Truck for 14 years. After retiring from Mack Truck, Fred drove a truck for Washington Township, as well as for Daltile in Gettysburg, PA.
Fred was a dedicated life member of St. Rita Catholic Church, doing whatever was needed inside and out, as well as serving as an usher for many decades. He was a member of Blue Ridge Fire Company, where he served as a volunteer fireman for 15 years. He was a member of Cumberland Valley Steam and Gas Engine of Chambersburg, PA where he would demonstrate hit-and-miss engines, and the Blue Ridge Summit Lions Club for 12 years. Fred and Lucille were volunteers with Meals on Wheels for most of their years together.
Fred was a well-known horseman and was often called upon to drive his horses for weddings and other special events, He often gave kids in the neighborhood horseback rides, buggy rides and sleigh rides. He enjoyed going to auctions, always looking for the next great bargain. Growing up on a farm, he learned to love working the soil and always had a bountiful garden, which he would share with his extended family. He enjoyed traveling the U.S. in his RV and riding his motorcycles well into his 80’s.
He was a man of good character for his entire life, who was willing to help anyone with anything.
He is survived by four daughters: Virginia “Ginny” Parks (Douglas) of BRS and Waynesboro; Margaret Hettich (Ron) of Cascade, MD; Barbara Leverone (Bob) of Charlotte, NC, and Lisa Donohoe (Barry) of Waynesboro, PA; four step-children: Carrie Sebold Skalecky, James Sebold, Vivian Sebold Fitez, and Thomas Sebold; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Esther A. Hrivnak of Ocean, NJ; Leo I. Sprankle of Greencastle, PA; and L. Helen Eakle of Okatie, SC; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Joanna (Benchoff) Sprankle Buhrman, Caroline M. (Kepner) Sebold Sprankle and Lucille (Wolfkill) Eberly Sprankle. He was also preceded in death by two sisters: Dorothy L. Sprankle, and Dolores Sprankle Mummert, and three brothers, Jerry Sprankle, Donald Sprankle and infant Lewis Sprankle; one step-son, Terry Sebold; and one infant step-daughter, Melissa Sebold.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, December 9, 2024, in St. Rita Catholic Church, 13219 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit, PA with Rev. Peter DiTomasso, MSSCC officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fairfield, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Happel’s Meadow Wetland, Washington Township, 11798 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro, PA 17268 or Blue Ridge Summit Fire and Rescue, 13063 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit, PA, 17214.
The family would like to thank the staff of Quincy Village for 4 years of care.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA is handling the arrangements.
