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Born in Glen Ridge, Sparling later moved to Fredon Township, where he became heavily involved in the community, his obituary says.
Sparling was a lifetime member of the Fredon Volunteer Fire Company and served on the Morris Minute Men Emergency Medical Services team. He also worked as a Director of Retail Operations for more than 25 years, his obit says.
Sparling later moved to New Bern, NC, where he died at Carolina East Medical Center.
“Joel was the guy you wanted next to you going in — a dedicated and fierce firefighter,” the fire company wrote in a touching Facebook tribute. “His technical knowledge and work ethic proved strong on many a call, whether it was an extrication job or a fire.”
“If you were a friend, you knew that you could count on him for anything.”
Sparling is survived by his parents, Rev. Paul and Sally (Benson) Sparling; his daughter, Amanda Sparling; his son, Colin Sparling; his daughter, Jessica Sparling, as well as his siblings, extended family members and close friends.
“Today we’ll raise a glass to Joel, thanking him for his dedicated service, and extend our love and support to his family,” the tribute reads. “You’ll be missed, brother. Godspeed.”
Sparling’s services will be held Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home in Newton.
Click here for the full obituary.
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