By: Michael Johnson
MEXICO, NY – Living ninety-seven years is an accomplishment in and of itself, but for Mexico’s Laurence “Sparky” Rector, the years have been filled with service to the community and graced with an unstoppable positive attitude.
A surprise birthday parade, organized by admiring friends and family, made it possible for Sparky’s legion of associates and acquaintances to pass by and extend birthday greetings today, May 29. Despite the social restrictions placed upon society due to the coronavirus pandemic, a birthday celebration was in order, and the people of Mexico stepped up to the task.
Led by as many as 15 volunteer firefighters operating several pieces of equipment, members of the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department were thrilled to participate in the celebration.
“Sparky has always been an inspiration to the people of Mexico, as well as being a huge supporter of the Fire department,” Dennis Shaw, vice-president of the Fire Department, said. “He’s such an all around great guy, so we were more than happy to help celebrate his ninety-seventh birthday.”
”This is all very wonderful, a big surprise, and it is so nice that people would take the time to do this,” Sparky said as the parade went by. “I have been blessed all of my life, and very fortunate to have a wonderful family and companion.”
A native of Mexico born in 1923, Sparky graduated from Mexico Academy in the spring of 1942, as World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific. Participating in the Third Army’s effort to rid Central Europe of Nazism, Sparky survived two amphibious landings and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Returning to civilian life from military service, Sparky enrolled at Ithaca College, graduating with a degree in Physical Education. While working as a physical education teacher at Leland Gray Academy in Vermont, Sparky met his future wife, Mary Ellen Redmond – a union that would last almost sixty two years and produced six children, Maura, Noreen, James, Robin, Jay and Jeffery, along with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
After a short stint teaching at Adams Center Central School, he found employment at his Alma Mater, Mexico Academy and Central School. Sparky applied his positivity to the task of teaching physical education and coaching athletics.
During the 1956-1957 academic year Sparky initiated the first wrestling program in Oswego County, and his teams produced several State champions, while building the foundation of a program that is still a proud tradition in Mexico. Champions are being built today in the Laurence “Sparky” Rector Wrestling Room at Mexico High School.
Sparky’s coaching prowess led to his induction into the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame, and he was awarded with the Lifetime Service Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Sparky also devoted 30 years to coaching track, and produced a number of successful six man football teams.
Although Sparky retired as athletic director from Mexico Academy in 1985, he is still a presence at the school he dedicated so much of his life to, attending as many sporting events as his busy schedule allows. Frequent visits to the Oswego YMCA, and a love of gardening keep him moving and very busy.
A humble man with a big heart, Laurence “Sparky” Rector is a well known and highly respected member of the Mexico community. He is known for stating “I’ve had a lot of luck in life,” and Oswego County has been lucky to have such a pillar of the community for 97 years.
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