BAILEY ISLAND — Edward M. Sparks, age 59, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. He was born on Nov. 4, 1955, in Springfield, MA, the son of Alfred and Frances Hamel Sparks.

He was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, was stationed on Okinawa with MCB3, as well as having been stationed in Australia. He married his high school sweetheart, Colette Protzenko, in Springfield, MA, on Nov. 23, 1974. The couple was married for 40 years.

Ed met his wife as part of a regional singing group, Sing Out Springfield, whose mission was to bring together and improve human relations within their community. A true people person, he always enjoyed a good time and never traveled anywhere without discovering someone he knew or making a new friend.

In 1994, the Sparks moved to the area, where Ed served as a reservist at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. As a career carpenter, he also found time to continue investing in the welfare of his community and neighbors. He served on the Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire and Rescue for over 20 years, retiring as a captain in 2014.

He is predeceased by his father, Alfred, and a brotherin law, Paul Protzenko.

He is survived by his wife, Colette of Bailey Island; his mother Fran Sparks of Auburn, MA; a brother Tom Sparks of Auburn, MA; two sisters, Peg Sparks of Auburn, MA and Mary Ellen Sparks of Florida; a sisterin law Traci Protzenko and her husband Guy Silvester of Chester, MA; his fatherin law Harry Prozenko and his wife Beverly of Agawam, MA; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and his four Labradors, Rose, Ella, Reme, Caramia.

Friends and family may visit from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick, ME. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, McKeen Street, Brunswick.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 (www.guidingeyes.org) or Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department, P.O. Box 177, Orr’s Island, ME 04066. Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.c om.