Douglas C. Sparrow

Waltham - Doug Sparrow loved cars, trains, clocks and watches. He loved classic cars from the local car shows and new cars at Boston's annual New England International Auto Show. He loved cruising with the rooftop down in his white 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible with the company of family and friends or perhaps driving solo down 117 to get apples, ice-cream, or just to enjoy the good weather. He was an active member of the Eastern Massachusetts GMO Chapter attending their car club meetings and enjoyed attending their "Dust off" car shows – viewing the cars, occasionally winning a trophy, talking with friends and participating in their auctions. As for trains – whether it was a train in North Conway, train to Mt Washington, train at Disney World, model train set, or train museum – he loved them all. He was an avid collector of clocks and watches, especially ones that were manufactured in his much-loved Waltham; and was known for giving clocks as gifts for any wedding that he attended.

He had affection for Canada where his parents were native. As a young boy he would happily spend each summer there and in later years take trips 'home' with his family and friends as often as possible to visit the relatives in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. He loved the view of the Petitcodiac River and the ocean off the coast of Glace Bay. He loved his seafood dinners at Brown's and Essex Seafood. Throughout the year, he either spent time at those restaurants with his close lifelong friends, his immediate family or his annual seafood meal with his two brothers – no wives or children allowed.

Doug was still working as owner and operator of D.C. Sparrow Inc., an HVAC company that he established twenty-two years ago. His customers were loyal and many became longtime friends. Prior to going out on his own he worked thirty-one years at L.C. Anderson in Boston as a HVAC technician and over five years at F. Diehl & Son, Inc. in Wellesley as head of their newly established air conditioning department.

Douglas C. Sparrow was born June 28, 1946, in Waltham a son of Canadian immigrants Alexander D. and Obeline E. (Bourgeois) Sparrow. A graduate of Saint Charles High School he then went on to earn certification in HVAC work. He also served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War. He married Virginia L. Greene on October 22, 1977, at Saint Jude's Parish in Waltham, and they settled in Waltham to raise their family.

Doug died Friday, September 23, 2022, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital after a very brief battle with cancer. He was 76.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Ginny, he leaves his children, Deborah C. Shablin (Robert Jr.) and Christopher J. Sparrow, all of Waltham; his grandchildren, Sofia and Dylan Shablin; brothers, Gary E. Sparrow (Patricia Pratt) of Framingham and Wayne A. Sparrow (Sandra) of Lexington; also survived by nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Doug's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20) on Wednesday, September 28th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Doug's funeral Mass please visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/douglas-sparrow

Memorials in his name may be made to Newton-Wellesley Cancer Care Center, 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462 or www.nwh.org/mass-general-cancer-center/cancer-center or Saint Mary's Parish, 133 School Street, Waltham, MA 02451 (www.stmarywaltham.org).