Stephen D. Sponaugle, loved people, music

Stephen D. Sponaugle "Spoonie," 37, a lifelong Rehoboth Beach and Lewes resident, passed away at his home Saturday, April 20, 2019. He was born May 3, 1981, in Lewes, son of William J. Sponaugle Jr. and Theresa Sponaugle.

Stephen was a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School Class of 1999. His love of food started early, cooking for family celebrations and working at the family-owned Dewey Beach Club. In 2001, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. Stephen worked in several area restaurants including The Buttery and Abstractions. Most recently, he was a bartender at the Cultured Pearl and Nicola Pizza in Rehoboth Beach.

Stephen had a love for people which took him from the back of the house in restaurants to bartending, like his dad. He also had a passion for music that started in grade school, playing trombone in the Rehoboth Summer School Program. He played guitar and trombone for the Delaware Music School, and since 2008, he was a vocalist and rhythm guitar player for Freshly Squeezed.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sponaugle is survived by his brother, Paul W. Sponaugle and his wife Kiersten; his niece and nephew, Kayla and Owen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Stephen's Life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 10, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 9 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Stephen's name to the Rehoboth Elementary School Performing Arts Fund, 500 Stockley St., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Visit Stephen’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.