Harvey Spark

Dr. Harvey Spark, 85, of Waco, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.

Service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at Congregation Agudath Jacob, 4925 Hillcrest Dr. in Waco with Rabbi Ben-Zion Lanxner officiating. Burial will follow at Agudath Jacob Cemetery in Waco with visitation immediately following at Congregation Agudath Jacob with Shiva observed at 6:00 p.m. Additional evening Shiva services at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 11 and Monday June 12 at the Spark residence, 629 White Horse Trail in Hewitt.

Harvey Spark was born in New York City at French Hospital, June 1, 1938. His father was a military physician, and the family moved often during WWII, ultimately settling in Waco, TX, where his father practiced general medicine. He was a proud Tiger, graduating from THE Waco High School as a member of the Class of 1955. He completed his undergraduate work at Vanderbilt University in 1959; he received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 1963. He was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at both Vanderbilt and UTMB and published multiple research papers during his post-graduate work. During his early professional years, he was a member of the National Guard.

Dr. Spark opened a private practice in Nashville in 1966 and returned to Waco in 1979, also in private practice. Throughout his professional life, he was widely recognized for his expertise and deep engagement in the medical community. He served as Chief of Pediatrics at both Baptist Hospital in Nashville and Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, and was a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatrics for more than 50 years. An early pioneer and sought-after expert in learning and behavior differences, he was a founding member of the Learning Disabilities Association of McLennan County. Over the course of his almost 60-year career, he led and served on numerous committees for the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Pediatric Society and International Lactation Consultants Association.

Dr. Spark loved being a pediatrician, and his impact extended beyond his office walls. He worked broadly to support healthy development for every child, spending afternoons consulting with Infant STIM at MHMR or speaking on the treatment of childhood obesity, diabetes and asthma. He was the first to incorporate Reach Out To Read into his practice, delighting his patients with new books at each checkup and a “Dr. Spark’s Reader” hat. To ensure children got a healthy start in life, he led local efforts to “Buckle Up Baby” to pass child restraint requirements and became a lactation consultant to support new mothers. He believed families deserved equal access to health care, and advocated for legislation to protect at-risk children.

Dr. Spark was unwavering in his dedication to his young patients. His warm smile and gentle demeanor would set a child at ease; he earned their trust through his recognition of each child’s dignity and individuality. New parents were reassured by his patience; his knowledge and compassion and absolute dedication were a reassurance to families during times of vulnerability. While his professional accomplishments were many, he loved nothing more than caring for the child in front of him.

Dr. Spark closed his private practice several years ago, but he continued to practice, consult and mentor until the time of his death.

In addition to his medical career, Dr. Spark was an active member of the Jewish community of Waco, a past president of Agudath Jacob synagogue, and a collector of Jewish art. He spent the last few summers working as the camp doctor for Camp Young Judaea in Wimberly. He was a skilled leather-working hobbyist and history buff. But for at least a good part of the year, during his non-working hours he could be found cheering on his beloved Baylor Bears basketball teams. He had been a season ticket holder for most of the last 45 years.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jo Spark (wife); his children Shari Spark, Jeffrey Spark, Ilene Spark-Greenberg (Seth), Lauren Woodman (Aaron), Meg Looney (Justin Littell), Matthew Spark (Melanie) and Benjamin Spark; and 14 grandchildren. His son-in-law Mark Goldstein; daughter-in-law, Dr. Gail Addlestone; his former wife, Eleanor Kantor Naftal; and his parents preceded him in death.

Pallbearers are Ezra Goldstein, Michael Spark, Justin Littell, Aaron Woodman, Justin Lynn and Colton Lynn. Ushers are Bailey Lynn, Andy Lynn and Blake Lynn.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Luther Travis, Billy Shaver, Leonard Englander, Charlie Levy, Izzy Assour, Dr. Floyd Barry, Donny Lynn, Jeff Lynn, Sidney Lynn, Michael Lynn, Abbye Silver, and Erin Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Congregation Agudath Jacob (www.agudathjacob.org); Camp Young Judaea Texas (www.CYJTexas.org); or any organization that advocates for children.