Rodger E. Sperling, Jr, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Rodger was the loving husband of the late Barbara Sperling, married for over 64 years, residing in Newtown for 61 years.

He was born June 24, 1936, in Bridgeport, Conn., to parents Loretta and Rodger E. Sperling, Sr. Rodger grew up in Monroe, graduated, and served Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1953-56 and then five years in the Marine Reserves, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Rodger was a heavy equipment operating engineer and a member of Local Union 478 for 65 years. Rodger was a man of integrity, commitment, and humor. He was an active member of the Masons, VFW, Danbury Rod and Reel, America Legion, Newtown Bridle Lands, and a founding member of the Deer Pond Archers. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and planting his own vegetable garden. Rodger was probably best known for his great sense of humor and always having a joke or story to tell. He was proud of his many titles — Rodger, Red, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Pa.

Rodger was predeceased by his wife, Barbara J. Sperling, and is survived by daughter, Cindy Kyle, and her husband, Jim; daughter Kathleen Anderson Toothill and her husband, Tom; son Rodger O. Sperling and his wife, Susan; nine grandchildren (Kevin Anderson, Robb Miller, Laurie Holland, Kristen Pisano, Carl Anderson, Amy Elsberry, Rodger Sperling, Aaron Sperling, and Garrett Sperling) and their spouses; and twelve great-grandchildren (Cassidy, Audrina, Dylan, Ben, Izzy, Meghan, Aaliyah, Lily, Tucker, Jake, Quinn, and Archer). Also, his sisters, Loretta (Babe) Martin and Joyce Fretty, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins survive him. Rodger will be sadly missed, leaving a great void in our lives, but he has filled our hearts with love, humor, and great memories.

Family and friends are invited to help celebrate Rodger’s life. There will be calling hours at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Conn., on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm, with a service at 7 pm presided by Pastor Larry Crasilli of the Second Congregational Church of Derby.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Rodger’s memory can be made to the Second Congregational Church of Derby, 136 Elizabeth Street, Derby CT 06418.