Sparta's 2024 Outstanding American Dinner Celebrates 2 Honorees this Year

SPARTA, NJ – This year Sparta Recreation Department honored two Outstanding Older Americans at the annual volunteer appreciation dinner.  The room at Knoll Heights was full, as friends, family and Sparta Township officials celebrated Mary Anne Francisco and Rev. David McDonnell.

The Pope John Spirit Singers led by Jacquelyn Burt performed a variety of songs beginning with the National Anthem and “Amazing Grace.” Burt explained the students were representing Sussex County at the New Jersey Teen Arts Festival in both small musical group and large musical group categories.

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The students gave a preview of their competition program to the delight of the attendees. They also performed their signature rendition of “I’m Proud to Be an American” and closed with “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Sparta High School Key Club members served the meal.

Mary Anne Francisco

Francisco has been a Sparta resident since she and her husband of 49 years moved here in January 1979. She and William raised three children in Sparta: Cynthia, David and Matthew.  With a BA in economics and a minor in computer science from Rutgers University and an MBA in executive management/finance from Fairleigh Dickinson, Francisco worked for Sandoz [Novartis] for 37 years.

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Her career as a volunteer began early, influenced by her Italian immigrant parents.  Francisco was a leader in both Girl and Boy Scouts with her children.  She even served for several terms as Sparta Girl Scout Town Coordinator.

For many years she was a substitute CCD teacher at her church Our Lady of the Lake. In 2014 she got involved with the Sparta Historical Society.

She retired as Director of Risk Management and Insurance for all Novartis North America companies but did not let that slow her down.  She has been a member of the Sparta Women’s Club and Trustee of the Historical Society in 2017.  In 2018 she began the first of three terms as The Sparta Historical Society’s president.

During her time at the historical society she has forged relationships with state organizations, allowing for a robust rotation of exhibits and grant funding. In 2023 the New Jersey League of Historical Societies held their annual meeting at Sparta’s Van Kirk Homestead.

Reverend David McDonnell

Rev. McDonnell came to Sparta 16 years ago when he was assigned to Our Lady of the Lake church.  He celebrated his Jubilee of 50 years in the priesthood in May 2022.  During his time in Sparta McDonnell has become known as a pillar to the church and community.

A supporter and active member of the Knights of Columbus Council, he has celebrated many sacraments for his parishioners.

As of July 1, 2024, McDonnell will be relieved of his official priestly duties, having reached the age of retirement.

“It is with deep regret our community will see him retire, but send him well wishes on his next journey.  Our community will greatly miss him,” Grand Knight James Storms said.

The honorees were presented with a plaque and the evening closed with the singing of “God Bless America.”

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