Timothy "Tim" Sparacio

Timothy "Tim" Sparacio, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023, in Simpsonville, South Carolina, at the age of 71. Born on December 15, 1951, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Tim grew up with a spirit of determination and a heart full of passion that would define his life's journey.

Tim's early years were spent in Bedford, Ohio, where he graduated from Bedford High School. His educational foundation set the stage for a successful career that began at JC Penney warehouse operations in the 1970s. Tim's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly in the 1980s and 90s when he started as a salesman and installer with Hunter Marketing, a Ravenna, Ohio retail store. His dedication and vision led him and his partners to purchase the business, which they transformed into Ohio Fireplace. The company grew to become a cornerstone of Portage County, serving customers throughout Northeast Ohio with a range of stoves, fireplaces, and gas logs.

Tim's interests were as diverse as they were intense. A proud American and avid patriot, he found joy in the simple pleasures of fishing on Lake Erie, where he spent many summers catching Walleye and Steelhead. His love for classic cars was evident in the meticulous care he gave to his prized 1971 Chevrolet Nova SS 396, a project he enjoyed working on and racing with his son, Sean. Motorsports were another of Tim's passions, leading him to attend the Indianapolis 500 and the US Nationals multiple times.

A lifelong drag racing enthusiast, Tim treasured his collection of memorabilia, which included items autographed by the legendary John Force. His love for the sport was matched only by his dedication to his faith. A loyal follower of Jesus Christ, Tim was an active member of Westview Christian Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he oversaw audio/video operations for decades, serving God through his technical expertise.

In 2001, Tim and his beloved wife, Diane, moved to Greenville, South Carolina, to enjoy their retirement years. There, Tim's role as a family man continued to flourish. He was a loving husband to Diane, a supportive father to his son, Sean, and a doting grandfather to Joseph, Franklin, and Christopher. Tim's family was the cornerstone of his life, and his love for them was evident in every action and every word.

Tim was predeceased by his father, Joseph Sparacio, his mother, Mildred Sparacio, and his twin brother, Thomas Sparacio. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his son, Sean (Greer); his grandchildren, Joseph, Franklin, and Christopher (Greer); his sisters, Annelle Holmberg and Sally Kelty; and a community of friends and relatives who will miss his handy, passionate, and faith-filled presence.

Throughout his life, Tim was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and a huge audio/video enthusiast, often hosting theater-quality movie nights that brought together friends and family for shared experiences and lasting memories.

Timothy Sparacio's legacy is one of love, dedication, and service. His impact on the lives of those he touched will continue to resonate, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we bid farewell to Tim, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man who truly embodied the spirit of generosity and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any desired charitable donation be made to Shriners Children's Hospital:

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