Obituary of Francis Harris Sprague

Francis “Frank” Harris Sprague III, of Neptune Township passed away on Friday, June 17, 2016 at Jersey Shore University Hospital, Neptune Township. Sergeant Sprague proudly served the Ocean Township Police Department for twenty-five years, during which he was a SWAT team member, sharpshooter, and Armourer, often providing instructions in firearms to his fellow officers. He received numerous commendations over the years and delighted particularly in his record of delivering 16 babies during his tenure. Frank's lifelong service to community is his heritage, harkening back to the brave men that founded and served America since the early 1600s. Frank’s 10th great-grandfather, William Sprague, b.1609 in Upway, Dorsetshire, England immigrated to American in 1628 with his two brothers, Ralph and Richard. They were the first settlers of Charleston, Massachusetts, where William served as a constable, known as a 'peace officer'. Frank was a friendly, perpetually helpful, kind-hearted and generous man. He was an avid remote control plane pilot, slot car racer, master griller, and highly accomplished woodworker and craftsman. Patient and meticulous, he was a handyman extraordinaire and strove for excellence in any endeavor. A patriot and history buff, he loved watching westerns and war movies. Always a nature lover, Frank loved fishing, boating, and being at the cabin (with Rick and Pat). A motorcycle enthusiast since birth, Frank loved bikes—the faster the better. A longtime animal lover, Frank would often find, rescue and adopt abandoned or stray pets. Frank was a devoted and loving husband, father, and son, a caring and protective big brother, and doting grandfather. He was also the family prankster and keeper of the TV remote. He had a huge heart and tenderness within a strong and fearless exterior, which always made us feel safe. Always a man of his word who believed in fairness, Frank felt anything worth doing was worth doing well. His time with us was far too short, and he will be deeply missed because he is deeply loved. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Phyllis, his two sons, Sean Sprague and David Walsh and their wives Lisa and Jenn, and his devoted daughter, Samantha. He leaves two loving sisters, Michelle (Geoffrey Brothers) and Jennifer Barron, in addition to his mother, Gloria Barron, and joins our beloved brother, Scott, who predeceased him in 2012. Harris is survived by his grandchildren Liam, Marie, Chris, Shane, Nick, and rescued pets, Buddydog and Frankie, as well as a bevy of nieces and nephews and grand nieces, including Marlena, Theresa, Everett, Danielle, Kelly, Ryan, Corey, Kaitlyn, Ann, and caring brothers and sisters-in-law, Pete, Sue, Mike, Linda, Casey, Al, Mary and dedicated longtime friend and neighbor, Jim. A Memorial Service honoring Frank will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2016, from 2-4pm, American Legion Post 346, 21 Gully Road, Neptune, NJ 07753. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to 200 Club of Monmouth, PO Box 6518, Freehold, NJ 07728. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold is in charge of arrangements.