David W. Sprague

David Wayne Sprague, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Ithaca in the early hours of
Saturday, June 24, 2023, surrounded by his two children and loving friends after a very brief
battle with cancer. With his death comes an immeasurable loss for his family, friends, the entire
Ithaca community and anyone who ever knew him. Born and raised in Ithaca, NY, he was the
first-born son of David A. and Phyllis Sprague. David felt an immense connection to his family
and community. He would have given the shirt off of his back to anyone in need and he will be
remembered for his wit, humor, intelligence, work ethic and tremendous generosity and love.
David is survived by his two devoted children, Michael and Samantha (Sean) and the light of
his most recent years of life; his granddaughter, Iris Maryellen. Anyone who knew him, even in
passing, now knows Iris because of his immense adoration and pride for her. Rivaling only the
love he had for his family and friends, was the love and pride he felt for his work, colleagues
and clients. Starting as Hollander Sprague, then Sprague & Janowsky, and finally Sprague &
Jackson, David built his accounting business from the ground up through sheer determination,
work ethic, both book and street smarts, and his incredible ability to make anyone he met trust
and like him immediately. Throughout his successful career, David never lost his humility and
kindness and served on the boards of several local organizations including Hospicare, INHS
and Love Living at Home, and was an avid supporter of the SPCA and Ithaca Ballet.
He is survived by his siblings Nancy Cleveland, Larry Sprague, Carol Sprague, and Lynn and
Bill Bobb and numerous special nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by the love of
his life for over 34 years, Mary Ellen Zizzi Sprague; his father, David A. Sprague; his mother
Phyllis Sprague; his brother, Jim Sprague; his sister, Kathy Suisman; and his nephew, USMC
CPL Christopher D. Bordoni. David’s children would like to thank the nurses at Cayuga Medical
Center for their care and attention, especially Danielle and Sylvia, and the wonderful staff at
Classen Home Health, especially David’s friend, Tim Reynolds, and his amazing home health
aide, Megan. The family is incredibly indebted to them for their assistance and care for David
and especially to Megan, who took in David’s special kitty, Pepper. Please consider a donation
in David’s honor to any local organization of your choice, but especially the SPCA of Tompkins
County, Hospicare, INHS, or Love Living at Home.