Ronald Sperling, 79; Former Greenwich Shopowner

Ronald Sperling, a long-time resident of Greenwich, died on March 9, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was 79 and lived in  Sarasota, FL.

The son of Hermann and Irmgard Sperling, he was born in Bremerhaven, Germany on July 29, 1933.

After immigrating to the United States as a young child, he graduated from Greenwich High School in 1951, attended the University of Connecticut and received his Associates Degree from Norwalk Community College in 1968. He served in the New York Air National Guard 137th Fighter Squadron, and received an honorable discharge.

He began his career in paper sales with Blake, Moffitt & Towne in the early 1960s in San Bernardino, CA and continued with his career in sales after returning to the East Coast with The Hudson Paper Company and Eastern Bag and Paper Company. Following early retirement from the paper business, he and his wife owned and operated the shop, China For Less, in Greenwich for more than 10 years. While living at Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club in Sarasota, he served as Chairman of the Champions Interclub for three years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Nielsen) Sperling of Sarasota, and his children, Kurt Sperling and Pamela Sperling, both of Greenwich.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved Aunt Helen Biggar.A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the First Presbyterian Church, Lafayette Place, Greenwich. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238.

Arrangements are by Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich.