Obituaries
Joseph E. McSparran, Jr., 77
May 13, 1943 - March 09, 2021
Joseph E. McSparran, Jr. 77, of Lititz, passed away at his home in Lititz on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. He was the son of the late Joseph E. McSparran and Mary (Barnett) McSparran and was the husband of Mary Ann (Johnston) with whom he celebrated 53 years of marriage last August.
In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by three children; Kelly Diller, wife of Philip Diller of Lititz; Patrick (P.J.) McSparran, husband of MaryAnne (Liberator) of West Dover, Vermont; Jeffrey McSparran of Lititz; two grandsons, Ethan and Cole, who affectionately referred to him as Papa Joe; and a sister, Patricia Yates of Lebanon, PA.
Joe was a 1961 graduate of Penn Manor High School and a graduate of West Chester State College. He taught Secondary English in the Bradford Area School District for two years, at which time he also met his wife. In 1967, they moved to New Rochelle, NY, where he taught Secondary English at Pelham Memorial High School for four years. He also served as the Director of Student activities for the high school. During his time in Pelham, he attended Fairfield University in Connecticut, earning a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.
In 1971 they moved to Lancaster and a year later to Lititz. Joe worked 25 years in the Manheim Central School District, starting as Assistant Principal in 1971, and two years later was appointed High School Principal. During this time Joe completed graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and received an Ed.D in Educational Leadership in 1983. He served as High School Principal for 14 years and was then named Assistant Superintendent for the district. He served a year as Acting Superintendent and in 1990 assumed the position of Superintendent of Schools. In 1996, Joe retired from the district and a year later joined the faculty at Kutztown University as an Instructor in the Department of Secondary Education in the College of Education. Over the next fifteen years, Joe taught undergraduate and graduate courses, and one year served as Acting Associate Dean of the College of Education.
While teaching at the University Joe co-authored a textbook “Narratives from the Classroom: An Introduction to Teaching” and also wrote and published a brochure for first year college students entitled “The Other Freshman Fifteen: Surviving First Semester.”
He retired from Kutztown in 2012 as an Associate Professor. A highlight of his tenure at Kutztown was that he was asked by the senior class of the University to present the Commencement Address in 2010. Upon his retirement from the University, Joe was given the title of Professor Emeritus.
Joe was also a Distinguished Alumni Wall of Honor inductee at Penn Manor in 2011 in recognition of accomplishments during a 42 year career in the field of education.
Joe also served two separate terms as a trustee at Moravian Manor Communities in Lititz and served as Chair of the Manor Trustees for part of both terms. Joe and Mary Ann were also volunteers for the Power Packs Program and the Lititz Warwick Community Chest and were members of the Lititz Moravian Congregation.
Joe was a practical joker and many friends can attest to his sense of humor, having received anonymous cards and letters from fictitious characters. He was also a great storyteller with a memory for detail.
He loved spending summers in Avalon, NJ constantly repairing an old house on the bay where they both enjoyed entertaining friends and family. A voracious reader, Joe always had a book in progress and loved sitting on the front porch or on the deck reading, people-watching and engaging many in conversation.
Joe and Mary Ann liked traveling and particularly enjoyed European river cruises. Joe also enjoyed walking in downtown Lititz and was a regular on the pickleball courts at the Lititz Rec Center. They moved to Warwick Woodlands, part of Moravian Manor Communities, in March of 2020 and enjoyed the friendship of many new neighbors.
There will be a memorial service for Joe at a later date. In lieu of flowers or plants, kindly consider a memorial contribution to Moravian Manor Communities (referencing the Christmas Box for employees) 300 West Lemon Street, Lititz 17543 or Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 07, 2021
Dear Maey Ann & Family,
Gene & I were both shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Evev though we have lost touch over the years, we often thought of you. Our deepest sympathies are extended to you, Kelly, P.J. and Jeff. Sincerly,
Barbara & Gene Bonfanti
March 23, 2021
Dear Mary Ann and family,
We were part of your neighborhood gang some 30 years ago in Lititz. Tom and I had a little boy Kenny at the time who is now 34 years old. We were so sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful guy and the life of the party all those times in Stan and Linda’s garage. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your children.
Patty Ferreri
March 21, 2021
MaryAnn and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss of Joe. We enjoyed conversations with him back in the Tim’s gym days and also hearing about Avalon. As the daughter of an English teacher we hold educators in high regard and he obviously had great positive impact on the lives he touched.
Sincerely, Tim and Dawn(Quinn) Hepler and the Scooter’s Restaurant Staff
March 21, 2021
Mary Ann and family,
I delayed writing to express my condolences because I was so shocked and saddened by Joe’s passing that I was afraid I lacked the words to express the depth of my feelings. Joe hired me out of the classroom at Hempfield to be his assistant principal at Manheim Central and I thought we made a great team during my five years in that position. Not only my boss, he became my friend, my mentor, and later an esteemed colleague in our roles as school district superintendents. Joe was simply one of the finest administrators and human beings with whom I have ever worked. I will miss him dearly, though our worlds took us out of contact for the last too many years.
Please accept my sincerest condolences over your loss. Harry Wirth
March 20, 2021
Mary Ann and family! We can not tell you enough how sorry we were to hear of Joe’s passing. What a great person he was, so fun and thoughtful, he will be very missed. Our thoughts and prayers, and much love are with you!❤️❤️🙏
Bill and Shirley Flickinger
March 18, 2021
Dear Maryann, PJ, Kelly, and Jeff,
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Our family has a lot of fond memories of get togethers so many years ago. Keeping you all in prayer. With love, Robert, Nancy and Bob Landis
March 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up in the Manheim Central School District during the 90s and early 2000s. My great education is due in part to the important decisions he made and the staff that he hired. Many of my classmates including myself have gone into various forms of education and educational administration. The next generation lives on to carry his legacy. I also have the privilege to have his grandson (Cole) in class this year at Warwick. Who knows, but maybe the third generation will go on to enhance the field of education.
I too come from a family steeped in education. My grandfather, David E. McKalips, was superintendent at Manheim Central in the 1970s. I’m sure their paths would have crossed. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to listen to some of their conversations.
Blessings to you and your family.
Doug Balmer
March 15, 2021
To the Mc Spartan family,
I am so sorry to read of Mr. McSparran’s passing. He was my English teacher at Bradford High. I really liked him as a teacher and a person. I remember his smile, which I see in his picture, that it has not changed. Prayers for the family.
Linda Miller Wible
March 14, 2021
Dear Maryann, PJ, Kelly and Jeff, The loss you are feeling is immeasurable. My arms are around you in both grief and love. Intentions and prayers are coming to you for peace, grounding and healing. Holly (Miller) Groff xo
March 13, 2021
Dear Mary Ann, we just found out that you have lost your beloved Joe.we just paddled by your house on Thursday and were wondering how you both were doing. we were looking forward to seeing you soon out back on you dock. So so sad and sorry that we will not be seeing Joe again.Please accept our sincere and sad condolences. We will be meeting up with you soon and hope to have a visit with you. Bess and Bob Beste
March 13, 2021
Dear Mary Ann and family:
This is an extremely difficult note to write for I am still personally aware of the inadequacy of words when death enters the door and a loved one leaves our lives forever. That said, I shall try.
I have known Joe for more than forty years, beginning in 1978 when I arrived at Manheim Central as the new Superintendent and Joe was already the HS principal. Joe immediately made it clear that he was going to do all he could to make both my entrance and tenure a success – and did he ever! He was a principal nonpareil, so outstanding and dependable I later chose him to be my Assistant Superintendent, a decision I never once regretted. He was loyal, committed, industrious, engaging and always witty and humorous. When I retired I was proud to unequivocally recommend him to be my successor.
I am pleased that I was able to stay in touch with Joe during his last days. And as always with Joe, when our conversations would finally end I was always so very happy I got to talk with him for even in his final days he always left brightness in his wake and elevated my spirit!
A life well lived Joe McSparran and an honorable legacy left behind! I am eternally grateful our life paths crossed.
Lewis E. Jury
March 13, 2021
Dearest Mary Ann and Members of His Nuclear Family,
Oh the stories we told each other during the waning days of his life. Sometimes we laughed so hard at our reminiscence and political BS, we nearly cried. I appreciated Joe’s willingness to share the struggles he was having with his life-ending disease and how he managed to establish a 4:30 pm ritual.
In years past, during the hayday of CB Radios, our relationship sparked then grew. His radio handle was “Pencil-pusher”; mine “Woodpecker”, and every morning on our way to work, we had a conversation about what was happening in the world at that time. As Chief School Administrators, we became brothers in our committment to, and promotion of public education in contiguous districts — Manheim Central and Donegal.
I shall forever cherish the last words he said to me, “I love you Woody”.
May God’s pease help to sustain you all in this time of grieving. At 4:30 today I shall nip a bit of his favorite.
Woody Sites
March 12, 2021
Dear Mary Ann and Family,
I was sorry to read of the passing of your husband Joe. I remember meeting him at one of the “Stoner-Johnston” reunions. He was a very nice man. Also remember him when he taught at Bradford.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I found some pictures of us when we were growing up. Please sene me your address and I will send them.
Kathy Hannon Symington
March 12, 2021
My deepest condolences to all the McSparrans. Mary Ann, Kelly, P.J. and Jeff. I’m thinking of you all and remembering with great fondness the good times I spend with Joe.
Charlie Schroeder
March 12, 2021
Joe was a classmate and friend of mine since our time in Miss Jenkins’ first grade. Last time I saw him was when he shared at my brother’s memorial service last year. My sincere condolences to his family. I posted the first grade photo on FB
Terry Ortman
March 12, 2021
MaryAnn…..my deepest condolences to you, Kelly, P.J., and Jeff. Joe had such a genuine, warm, engaging and mischievous smile that endeared him to all those who knew him. So many wonderful memories from Woodridge and Avalon. Thank you for sharing your wonderful beach house on the bay. Joe will truly be missed. He was one of the great ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gail, Kristen and Andy Haldy
March 12, 2021
Condolences to you and your family. I worked with Dr. McSparran at Kutztown University. He was always so nice and such a funny man. He made such a good apple pie and I loved when he brought them into Beekey. He definitely will be missed. -Tanya
March 12, 2021
Maryann our prayers and hearts go out to you He was one of the good guys I will never go past your porch without looking for him. Joe and Ann Marie and family
March 12, 2021
Mary Ann, I am sorry to read of your husband’s passing. I am praying for you and family. (We worked together at Acuity.) Amy Schmid
March 11, 2021
We knew him as our cousin, Joey McSparran. We always had fun as kids when we visited with him and his family. His resume speaks volumes as to his dedication to excellence in his craft. Condolences to his family. I last visited with him a few years back in Chestnut Level when our Aunt Charlotte McSparran passed away. I’m glad we had that reunion after so many years. He was a very good man. Godspeed, Joe.
March 11, 2021
Dear Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I had the good fortune of working with Joe first as part of the MCHS faculty and then as his colleague when I returned as an elementary principal. I respected his decision-making ability and his concern for me as a teacher and then as a fellow administrator. What I most remember is how he attended all the shows I directed and his “Monday morning notes” about the productions. Joe was a class act!
Dennis Denenberg
March 11, 2021
Oh Mary Ann I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband of 53 years. I hate having lost touch with so many awesome classmates. I noted books and travel in the obituary and felt so close to you and this incredible man you married. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your precious memories carry you through your grief.
Martha Oxley Perdue
March 11, 2021
Growing up in the Swathmore/Oxford Drive neighborhood, we had our own version of Taps. When day was done, the sound of Mr. McSparran’s whistle and bell rang out like a bugler’s signal calling the young troops home. Thanks for the great memories. Love, Shane
March 11, 2021
Was sad to read of Joes passing. Though we had lost touch with each other I still have many great memories of our high school and college years. We shared in each others weddings and I always was glad to call Joe a friend. May God give you and your family peace in the days ahead.
Bob and Roberta Kindig
March 11, 2021
Joe was my principal for most of my teaching career at Manheim Central. Still today, I consider him my Principal and friend. We followed similar career paths after a public school life, but I would have loved to have had him as a professor. My memories of his humor and his mischievous smile persist.
David Petkosh
March 11, 2021
Mr McSparran was “One-of-a Kind.” He shared wisdom, was always willing to listen and to accept innovative teaching concepts. He was an amazing principal who cared about every educator with whom he worked. Mr McSparran was an inspiration to many, his kindness and wisdom are attributes that I still cherish today.
May he fly on “Eagles Wings.” Prayer and peace for your family. Barbara Titus, Manheim Central, 70’s
March 11, 2021
May God be with all your family and friends. He was very special and compassionate with all he came in contact with at Manheim Central.
Robin Johnson
March 11, 2021
I am very sad to hear of Mr. Joe’s passing. He was a friend, a pal–a mentor to me in 1965-1966 while I was finishing Bradford High. 55 years ago, we would sit on his front porch and I would inhale his knowledge, his stories, and his expertise. We went skiing at State Park…we laughed together. I was blessed that we ran into each other after 50 years, in Bradford, and I was overwhelmed that his caring character was unchanged; he looked the same, acted the same, his values were still strong, and for that brief evening it was like I was back at Bradford High all over again.
Stuart H Ellison
March 11, 2021
MaryAnn, Kelly, PJ & Jeff- Our hearts are heavy at your loss. Joe had such a fun, uplifting soul; always making those around him smile. We have certainly shared many laughs with him and your family. He leaves a huge void that can only be filled with the love and memories shared. We pray that God wraps his loving, comforting arms around you and give you strength through this difficult time. Bob & Wendy
March 11, 2021
To the McSparran Family,
In the days ahead, may you find some small comfort in your many happy memories, as I have growing up in the neighborhood with Joe, Judy Myers and Lucille Bishop through first grade and attending school through our high school graduation. Early memories of looking for a box turtle that we marked the shell with fingernail polish, so we knew it was ours, to sitting beside him in first grade when he returned from being reprimanded by Principal Stayer and offering comfort. As we matured I thought he was sure to become a Principal, which he did and more. My thoughts are with you in the time of sorrow and I offer my deepest sympathy.
Elaine Brenneman Charles
March 11, 2021
Dear Mary Ann, I want to express my sympathy, in the loss of your loved one. I have many good memories
of you, (at tax season!) I have also lost my loved. in 2019. I will pray for you and your family .
Alma N. Zimmerman
March 11, 2021
At a time in my life when I needed some direction, Mr.McSparran was there to help guide me. I will always be grateful for his genuine concern and desire to be a leader of young people. I am sorry for your loss.
Robert Locker
