Douglas J. Sparling, age 70, of Browns Mills passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Samaritan Hospice in Mt. Holly. He was born in Ottawa Canada to the late George and Eleanora Sparling. Douglas came to the United States as a young child and he enlisted in the US Army in 1964 at the age of 18. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. After his service, he attended 2 years of art school and was very talented in drawing and oil painting. Doug was employed for 30 years at Maguire Air Force Base as a civilian HVAC technician. He served as an official at the AFGE Union on base and was well versed at his duties and helpful to many union members. He had a lasting friendship with Ella, also at the union office. Doug was well known for his many home improvement projects and prided himself as a “jack of all trades”. He had an enduring love for fast muscle cars and a sense of humor so unique he was known as “Joker” in his younger years. Douglas was a loving husband and father who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Douglas is predeceased by his parents and his brother Gregory Sparling. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Catherine Sparling of Browns Mills; his son, Robert Sparling and his wife Stacey of Medford; his daughter, Dawn Encardone and her husband Matt of Manchester; his three siblings; his three grandchildren; his mother-in-law Dorothy Tammaro; his sister-in-laws, Linda Zultanski and husband Dennis and Janet Gomes; his brother-in-laws, Paul Tammaro and wife Arlene and Thomas Tammaro and his wife Mary; as well as several nieces, nephews, friends, and his devoted rescue dog, Rascal. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 11:30AM to 1:30PM at the Tilghman Funeral Home, located at 52 Main Street, New Egypt NJ 08533. A Memorial Service will be held at 1PM. Interment will follow at 2PM at the Brig. General William C. Doyle Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, located at 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown NJ 08562.