His love for wine led him to serve as the North American Chapter Head of Confrerie Des Chevaliers Du Tastevin.
His legacy is a combination of professional brilliance, deep family ties and community involvement.
What were the foundations of John’s early life and education?
John was raised by Florence (van Zelm) Sprague – founder of Sprague Electric Company – and Robert C. Sprague who were instrumental in providing him exposure to science and technology throughout his childhood years. Whitney Sprague’s life included being married for 69 years to Mary-Jane Whitney Sprague for which they shared four children, 10 grandchildren, and one great grandson; their Williamstown home became the center for family gatherings that left lasting memories with each generation they encountered along their path!
How did John’s passion for science and technology evolve?
John’s love of science and technology began in childhood when he experimented in his bedroom. His curiosity continued into his professional career and through his study at Princeton and Stanford. His dissertation “The Nature of Metal to Semiconductor Alloy Junctions” laid the foundation for his future work in the semiconductor industry, and at Sprague Electric.
What role did John play in the Semiconductor industry?
John has made significant contributions to semiconductors despite initial difficulties in Silicon Valley. John’s work as a researcher at Sprague Electric led to the development of integrated circuits. John’s innovation and leadership culminated with his role as the President and CEO of Sprague Electric, where he contributed to the Apollo 11 Mission and authored nine patents.
What was John’s contribution to the Apollo 11 mission?
John’s inventiveness was crucial in the creation of the silicon wafer disc that carried messages from 73 leaders around the world, and which the Apollo 11 astronauts left on the Moon. John’s contribution to this historic event was a combination of his scientific expertise and his contributions.
What impact did John have on his local community?
John’s influence went beyond science and technology. Sprague Electric, North Adams’ largest employer, is now the home of MASS MoCA, America’s largest museum of contemporary art. John’s impact is woven into the fabric of the local community.
How did John’s life after retirement look like?
John started a consulting company after retiring to provide strategic and operational support for technology companies. He wrote about his grandfather Frank J. Sprague (the “Father Of Electric Traction”) and the legacy of his father, Sprague Electric, because he was passionate about history. He has contributed to literature with a book on the Confrerie Des Chevaliers Du Tastevin.
What was John’s personal life and hobbies?
John was a man of many interests. He was a wine enthusiast and scuba diver. His passion for wine led him to become the North American Chapter head of Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
John’s adventurous nature was evident from his many trips with his family to Africa, China and Antarctica.
What was the essence of John’s family life?
John’s life revolved around his family. Mary-Jane Whitney Sprague, his partner of 69 years, created cherished memories for him and their four children. They also had 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Their Williamstown home was a place of family reunions that brought generations closer together.
What are the details of John’s funeral service?
Dr. John L. Sprague will be honored at St John’s Episcopal Church, Williamstown MA at 11 am on 13 July 2017. Live streaming services will allow those unable to attend his memorial services still pay their respects and remember him fondly.
What can people do to help John’s memory?
Instead of flowers, you can make memorial donations to St. John’s Episcopal Church and Williamstown Rural Lands. These donations will continue John’s legacy of community involvement, passion for nature, and spirituality.
As we celebrate his life, we not only remember a life that led to important scientific advances, but also one which inspired others through his passions, love, and wisdom. His legacy will continue impacting future generations.
