Pastor Robert "Rob" F. Sparr

Pastor Robert “Rob” F. Sparr, 51, of Indiana, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.

A son of Frank E. and Linda A. (Italia) Sparr, he was born Aug. 28, 1973, in Pittsburgh.

Rob grew up in Allison Park and graduated from North Allegheny High School in 1992. He would go on to graduate from Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries in 1996 and received his Master of Divinity from Trinity School of Ministry in 2006. Rob was ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Rob served God, pastoring in Hudson, Ohio, and numerous churches in Western Pennsylvania. In Rob’s early years in ministry, he served as a Youth Pastor, teaching and loving students the way Jesus called him to. Most recently, Rob served as Senior Pastor of Graystone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Indiana.

You always knew when Rob was in the room, from the joy and laughter shared with those he loved, and sometimes by those he did not even know. His passions were drinking coffee with people, cheering for the Pirates, listening to all types of music, and making pizzas for his family and friends. But above all else, Rob shared Christ, wanting everyone he met to know Jesus. In the hospital, Rob did not stop being a pastor, praying and sharing the Gospel with anyone who came by his room, or he passed in the halls.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Heather L. (Brown) Sparr, of Indiana; his children: Joel (Krista) Sparr, of Harrodsburg, KY; Isabelle (Peter Collings) Sparr, of New Brighton; and Yabsira Sparr, of Indiana; his parents, Frank and Linda Sparr, of Allison Park; and his sister, Brenda (Tom) Stasko and family, of Gibsonia.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025 at Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 N 7th Street, Indiana. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Graystone Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 640 Church Street, Indiana, with Pastor Joe Stroup officiating.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

A scholarship in Rob’s name has been established at Geneva College. This scholarship will provide financial aid to students pursuing a degree in student ministry. To support The Robert F. Sparr Scholarship go to genevacollegefoundation.org/give and type in Sparr Scholarship in the “other” designation. The family thanks you for remembering Rob in this important way.