Russell F. “Russ” Sparrow
Russell “Russ” Frank Sparrow, age 65, of Quincy passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023, in Blessing Hospital. He was born on April 24, 1958, in Quincy, the son of Elmer William and Florine Marie (Altgilbers) Sparrow. Russ married Judy Mock on May 1, 2010, in Blessed Sacrament Parish and she survives.
Russ was a 1976 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School. In his younger years he played softball and for many years, played darts. He also played in a couples bowling league, enjoyed boating on the Mississippi and loved any gathering that involved friends, family and a little competition.
For over thirty years he worked as a plumber at Sparrow Plumbing, the family business. That being said, he never turned down an opportunity to answer house calls from his loved ones. He was always ready to assist in home renovations and was everybody’s handyman. Russ never retired from his dad duties. Russ worked hard and played even harder.
Russ’ family extended beyond blood. He was of the Catholic faith and he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 25. Russ knew no stranger and played the role of the neighborhood grandfather. He had an open door policy and handed out over 1,500 Italian Ice popsicles to the neighborhood kids within the 2023 summer alone.
Russ is survived by his wife, Judy, two children: Alan Sparrow and Sarah Young, both of Quincy. Grandchildren: Haley Young, Ella Young, Olivia Young, Charleigh Oberling. One great grandchild: Graham Jenkins. His ten siblings: Kenneth (Bonita) Sparrow; Thomas (Carol) Sparrow; Jane (Michael) Grant; William “Gene” (Ashley) Sparrow; Diane (Kent) Andrew; Robert (Joan) Sparrow; Elaine (Rick) Fesler; Roger Sparrow; Lisa (Greg) Arens; and Richard (Lucy) Sparrow. His mother-in-law, Betty Mock of Quincy; three brothers-in-law, John Mock, Jim Mock and Joe Mock. Many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Stephen Andrew Young.
Many thanks from the family to Dr. Christian Khoury, Dr. Amjad Ali, the physicians and nurses at Quincy Medical Group Cancer Institute and the medical staff at Blessing ICU.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church with Rev. Steven Arisman and Msgr. Michael Kuse officiating. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Quincy Medical Group Cancer Institute or to the family to help with expenses. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.
In my thoughts and prayers
Alan and Sarah, so sorry for your loss. Enjoyed talking to Russ at our 8th grade class reunion last June. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
In my prayers. I saw Russ recently at Home Depot, he was as nice and funny as ever.
Sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family!!
Russ was a great guy and will definitely be missed! My prayers are with all the family.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. Love.
Our thoughts and prayers to the Sparrow family. It’s never easy but he left such great memories with you all. Love to you all.
Russ was a classmate at St. Francis grade school and we were friends. All of us in that class were. I was so glad to see and talk to him again at our 50th reunion.
My condolences to his wife and all of his family.
To Judy and the Sparrow Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Russ was such a nice guy who always had a big smile on his face, a memorable smile. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My deepest condolences and sympathy to all.
Sincerely,
Jodi Schaffnit-Bliven
Peace and prayers for all my Sparrow family. Russ was one of a kind as anyone who knew him could verify.
So sorry to hear about Russ’ passing. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Russ will be missed by many. Praying for his children and family.
My condolences to each sibling on the loss of your brother, Russ. I know I waved at him numerous times as he drove through the neighborhood alley. Prayers and positive thoughts for everyone. Mary Kaye (Kovachevich) Caldwell
To the Sparrow Family,
So sorry for your loss. Russ was a great person! Praying for your family 🙏
Sarah and family, so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I have known the Sparrows most of my life and enjoyed talking with Russ on many occasions. He and Don joked many times. Now they are both in heaven enjoying each other’s company.
I was sad to see this. I went to high school with Russ. He was a great guy.
Elaine, Alan and entire Sparrow family our thoughts and prayers with you all at this tough time. Too, too young to be passing. May he rest in peace. Jeff & Joanne (Powers) Bergman
To the Sparrow family. I am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Steinway family Fred Anita and Janetta.
Our sympathy to his wife n kids. We have always been close to all the Sparrows who are such a great family! I know Russ will be missed by all! I’m sure his mom n dad were happy to see him but he passed too soon. our prayers are with all.
I hadn’t seen Russ since my E. Best days but I always enjoyed seeing him in Sarah’s posts for family events. When Russ came into the store, he always had me on my toes! Always a funny story and a smile. I know he will be missed by all of you. I love the story about him handing out the Italian ice that sounds just like him. He will be missed by all, but he will be taking care of all those plumbing problems in heaven.
My condolences to the whole Sparrow family. Although I am a first cousin, due to age difference and distance, I did not know Russ well, and his wife and children not at all. But I have no doubt he was as fun, hard-working, and loving as all the testimonies here and on Facebook attest. In fact, I’m regretting I did not know him.
Love to all my family,
Cindy Altgilbers Lesky
Austin, TX
Sarah & Family,
My condolences to you all. May you all lean on each other’s love and support during this difficult time. Praying for you all to find peace and strength in the Lord. Sarah love and miss you.
-Kelly Stivers
Elaine & Lisa – So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.