Carl A. Sprock

Sprock, Carl A., age 90 of Cairnbrook. Born August 11, 1932. Carl got his wings on Friday, September 9th surrounded by his loving wife and children. Son of the late Andrew and Anna (Labuda) Sprock. Preceded in death by sister Victoria Ripple, brother Byron Sprock, sister Frances Husla, brother John Sprock, and long-time fur friend, Missy the cat. Survived by wife of 62 years, Rosalie “Rose” (Meholic) Sprock and Sprock’s Flock: Michelle Bonham (friend John), Marcia Bayer (Jeff), Carl (Jennifer), Andrea Langston (Phil), Andrew (Kathy), and Henry (Melissa).  Fifteen grandchildren: Emily, Rebecca (Tom), Lacey (David), Nicholas (Chelsea), Jordan (Michelle), Cassidy, Dylan (friend Lilly), Baylee, Jonah (fiancé Bailey), Carly (friend Jeff), Caitie, David (friend Dana), Kyle (friend Maria), Caden and Carys. Nine great-grandchildren: Brayden M., Madison, Osten, Brayden P., Harper, Caden, Cayleigh, Libby, and Emil with one addition due in October.  Sisters-in-law Joan and Frannie, numerous nieces and nephews and his best buddy, Tommy (cat).

A 1950 graduate of Shade High School and Physical Education and Health degree from Lock Haven University, where he was president of his class. He took a two-year break from his academic pursuit to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Carl began his teaching career at Somerset Area High School where he also coached basketball and football. He moved to Windber Area High School to continue to teach, coach boys’ basketball, and start a women’s gymnastics program. Carl was a long-time operator of Laurelisa Lanes Bowling Alley at Reel’s Corner. In 1971, Carl’s love for a perfectly grilled steak led him to opening Long View Restaurant, Lounge & Motel where his true passion served the local community and visitors from the Tri-State area with culinary delights, the best Manhattan around and many good times.

Carl’s devotion to his faith started as a young child where he was an altar boy at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a life-long member of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church (Sacred Heart) where he served as lector, Eucharistic minister and CCD educator. Carl instilled a strong Catholic belief in his family often leading his children to dub him “Pope Carl”.

He was involved in many community organizations including being the voice of the Shade Panthers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was the coordinator of the Route 30 three mile “Hands Across America” rally, and an ambassador volunteer at Flight 93 Memorial. His consummate love of sports was evident in his involvement in the activities his children participated in during their high school athletic years. He was a true lover of all Pittsburgh sports and a loyal Steeler fan. In his middle years, he loved the outdoors and hunting; his crowning glory came with landing a 13 point buck, 250 pound black bear and a turkey all in the same year. Carl was an avid golfer and enjoyed many weekends on the links with life-long friends who are now waiting for him “on the turn” in heaven.

Carl was the true patriarch of his family. Nothing put a bigger smile on his face than being surrounded by his children and grand/great grandchildren. Pappy’s grandchildren have fond memories of him gathering them together in the back yard to build a campfire and roast marshmallows for Smores after a day in the pool. He taught them to cut grass on the riding mower and shared his tricks-of-the-trade in gardening. He was always quick with a joke but kept everyone walking a straight line. Honesty and integrity were the true grit of what he instilled in all that knew him. And Carl was truly happiest with his wife Rose by his side.

In Carl’s words, “I’ll live ‘til I die,” and he did!

Family and friends will be received from 3pm – 8pm on Sunday, September 18th at the Mulcahy Funeral Home, Central City and 10am-11am Monday, September 19th at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Monday, September 19th at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Sacred Heart), Father Aron Maghousdi, Celebrant. Committal, Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery. Graveside Military Rites Central City VFW. Celebration of Life luncheon following at Our Lady Queen of Angels Activity Center. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish, may make a donation to the Dementia Society of America https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate