William J Sparre

Schenectady - William Joseph Sparre, 67,passed away early Saturday morning, April 3, 2021. Billy, as he was known all his life, was born on January 26, 1954. He was the son of the late Tauno W. and Virginia E. (DiCarlo) Sparre, grandson to the late Joseph A. and Mary Louise (Colasurdo) DiCarlo, Sr. and nephew to the late Joseph A. and Nancy (Cerasani) DiCarlo, Jr. Billy graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1972. Upon graduating, he began working for General Electric as a welder for 18 years. He then worked at Union College as a cook in various dining halls feeding students, staff and faculty; catering President’s luncheons and dinners; eventually retiring in 2017 after 33 years. Billy was blessed to have many friends. For over 40 years, he and Neil McNeil shared good times. Whether discussing strategy for their Yankees or debating current events, Neil was a very good friend to Billy. Another close friend was Janice Coppola. Their friendship began soon after Janice started working at Union College. Janice and Billy worked closely together and formed a friendship that lasted for 20+ years. Billy enjoyed time spent with Janice and her family. Surprisingly, when he wasn’t cooking at the college, Billy would show off his culinary skills in the kitchen at home. But when Billy didn’t feel like cooking, every Friday evening, he was a fixture at Cornell’s and later at Armondo’s Villa Tuscan Grill enjoying the company of the other regulars, the staff, and, of course, Joanne Aragosa. All that knew Billy knew of his love for music. His favorite group was The Beatles. When you were around Billy, he would always be singing, humming, or tapping his fingers to songs on the radio or just thinking about a particular song playing in his mind. Billy was a devoted fan of “his” New York Yankees. He rarely missed a game on TV and when he was younger, took numerous bus trips with Neil to Yankee Stadium to watch a game. In the 1970’s, Billy and his dad would head to the Washington Avenue Armory to watch wrestlers, such as Chief Jay Strongbow, Ivan Putski, and Andre the Giant. Billy’s love of wrestling expanded through the years so that every Monday night found Billy watching WWE Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, and the WrestleMania series. Billy’s humor was legendary. At the least expected moment, he would quote Rodney Dangerfield, run through a Three Stooges skit, or throughout a line from Robin Williams or George Carlin. Billy was a loving and devoted brother to his sister, Louise. Although they were fourteen and a half years apart, they were very close. Some of the best memories Louise has is of just being with her brother. From the time Louise was born, he helped with feedings and changing. There are fond memories from when they grew older, of him taking Louise to the movies every Saturday always followed by lunch at McDonalds or the Ground Round. His love of music influenced Louise. He would take her to Apex Music store where they would listen to 45s before buying them. Billy took Louise on the rides at Story Town in Lake George where they went at least once each summer. Billy was the best brother of sister could have. Billy is survived by his sister, Louisemarie (Sparre) and brother-in-law William D. Florance. In addition, Billy is survived by his cousins, Denise (DiCarlo) Skokan, Joseph A. DiCarlo III, and their children, Richel Ann Skokan, Christina Marie Skokan, Christopher William Skokan, Lauren Nancy DiCarlo, and Alyssa Marie DiCarlo along with several cousins from Albany, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Saratoga, Schenectady, Florida and North Carolina. Calling hours will be on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 at DeMarco–Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam, NY 12306. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1241 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12304 on Tuesday at 9 am. In lieu of flowers, Billy asks that you remember his love for Sammy and Maggie by making donations to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12302.