Gilbert M. “Gabby” Sprague, 81, of Darby Road, North Scituate passed away peacefully Monday, February 3rd surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Marsha (Bishop) Sprague for 51 years. Born in West Warwick, RI, he was one of thirteen, the son of the late Charles M. and Dorothea B. (Lyons) Sprague.
He lived in North Scituate since 2001, previously living in Johnston for 33 years. He held numerous jobs in the automobile industry, beginning in the early 1950’s through 2018, fulfilling a lifelong passion, including running a family auto service station in Coventry, RI and working many years as a foreman at Finn’s Auto Salvage in Coventry, RI. He remained active into retirement working at Knox’s Garage in Scituate, RI.
He was known to be a fixer, if you had a tractor or small engine that needed repair, Gabby was the guy. He enjoyed anything that had a motor, motorcycles, snowmobiles, a true motorsport enthusiast. He was happiest hanging out in the garage with his family and friends telling stories and sharing laughs.
He was the father of Donna L. (Caleb) George of North Scituate, Gilbert M. Sprague and his partner Susan Viscariello of Voluntown, CT, Kristen A. (Brian) Snow of North Scituate, Richard Sprague of Coventry, RI and the late Gilbert “Gilly” Sprague, Jr. He was the grandfather of Amanda, Caleb, Allison, Shelby, Isabel, Thomas, Zackary, Abigail, Aubrey, Avery and the late Evan Baker. Gabby was the brother of June Ray of West Warwick, Marilyn Gifford of Cranston, Priscilla Frasier, Beverly Carroll, Kenneth Sprague, Susan Martin, all of Coventry and the late Charlotte Rawlinson, Dorothea Picard, Charles Sprague, Robert Sprague, and Richard Sprague.
His funeral will be held Saturday, February 8th at 10am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass will be held at 11am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Smithfield. Visiting hours are Friday 4-7pm. Burial Private.