Leo Sparks

Leo H. Sparks, age 97, of Toledo, passed away at home on Sunday, June 6, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 18, 1924 in Holland, OH to Martin and Elizabeth (Zielinski) Sparagowski. He was a Veteran of the US Coast Guard, serving both in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and was employed by Jeep for 30 years, retiring in 1972. Leo married Frances Zera on June 5, 1943. Leo and Frances, along with his brothers and their wives, started the Original Gino’s Pizza on Monroe St. in 1955. They remained owners and operators until 1988, and the Midwood Bar from 1966-1970. He belonged to the American Legion Przybylski Post 642 and Argonne Post 545, VFW Buddy Frankowski Post 5530, CWV Logsdon Walla Post 639, Club 16, the 14th Ward, and the Circle 8 Alliance of Poles. Being a farmer, Leo loved being outside and having a garden. If you were looking for Leo you just had to look outdoors. He always enjoyed having Gino’s pizza, and he loved spending time with the family and grandchildren. He was a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church

Leo is survived by his loving wife of 78 years, Frances (Zera) Sparks; daughters, Geraldine Oberheu and Nancy Geitgey; 7 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren; and 6 great-greatgrandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, Steve, Bill, and Ed Sparagowski; step-brother, Mike Rucki; sisters, Frances Zdawczyk, Helen Weilent, and Dorothy Arndt; step-sister, Cecilia Okonski; and his parents.

Family and friends may visit Friday, June 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd., with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.  Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass in Christ the King Catholic Church at 10 a.m. The Northwood Honor Guard will conclude with Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Ohio Living Hospice for their outstanding care of Leo and the family. Condolences may be shared at www.sujkowski.com.