Tampa Bay Orthopaedic Specialists

09/24/2025

Our deepest condolences to Nigel's wife Sarah and family. Nigel was a good man, physician, father, husband and friend. You will be forever in our hearts.

Dr. Nigel W. Sparks, 55, of Port Matilda, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Mt. Nittany Medical Center State College. Nigel was born on June 4, 1970, in Nova Scotia, Canada, to Elaine Sparks. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Frederick and Laura Sparks. Nigel married Sarah (Byun) Sparks, on Sept 9, 2002, they actually married twice! Their legal marriage was on September 9, 2002, and their ceremonial wedding was held in Italy on April 28, 2003.

Nigel graduated from Parkdale High School in Toronto and was recruited thereafter to play soccer at Penn State. He also represented the Canadian National Men's Soccer Team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He continued his education at Hahnemann where he earned his medical degree. He completed his Orthopaedics residency in Baltimore, where he met his wife. Nigel started his career as an Orthopaedic Surgeon of Sports Medicine in Florida and covered many high school, college and pro teams. He enjoyed his years covering the Jacksonville Jaguars and was elated to land his dream job with the Seattle Sounders. His most recent position brought him back to State College, home of Penn State.

Nigel enjoyed all sports, across all levels of competition. He was also an avid gamer; a recent Pokémon go addict and loved his cars. But above all else, he loved his family and friends, with fierce loyalty and generosity.

Nigel is survived by his wife, Sarah Sparks of Port Matilda, two sons, Ethan and Hunter Sparks, and one daughter, Zooey Sparks, his mother-in-law, HeeJum Byun, father-in-law, WooShik Byun, brother, Freddy Sparks, two sisters, Derrel Medera and Maggie Sparks, brother in laws, John Medera, Young Byun, and sister-in-law, Ivy Byun.

Nigel was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.

A memorial service for Dr. Nigel Sparks will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Park Way, State College, PA 16801 with Father George Jakopac officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. & Victorian Crematory, Bellefonte.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wetzlerfuneralhome.com.
https://www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com/memorials/dr-nigel-sparks/5640267/index.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawNAxExleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHr7m0z0bhbIsDByoZUzKAqdr7oP4HggKz2fVeQ29kaAPZggDE1u-dYQnwcsn_aem_r4Bfphzo75S_md0rcu2ebg&utm_source=email&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=obituary-share&utm_content=visit-obituary

08/24/2025

DERMOT O’CONNOR, M.D. 92, passed peacefully on July 29, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida, surrounded by his loving family: daughter Ailish (Tim), sons Stephen (Yingying), Peter (Lori), David (AnnMarie) and Johnny (Patty). He was born in the Glasnevin area of Dublin, Ireland on July 17, 1933, a son of Bernard O’Connor and Kathleen (Troy) O’Connor. Predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Maureen (Conroy)O’Connor, who died in 2015 and left a void that could never be filled. Also predeceased by his three brothers Brendan, Fergus, and Vincent.

A renowned singer and raconteur, Dermot was well known for hosting great parties with Maureen at their home in Redington Beach and at their Cove Bend Ranch in Floral City. Dermot was a highly skilled Orthopaedic surgeon, having started his own practice in St. Petersburg with partners Don Sullivan and Mike Slomka. He received degrees from Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, and graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago with an Orthopaedics specialty. He and Maureen moved to Florida in 1962 where Dermot interned at Mound Park Hospital and went on to practice medicine for more than 40 years, becoming head of surgery at Palms of Pasadena Hospital.

Always quick with a joke, an intelligent fact, a sound second opinion on all matters medical, or the tune of an old Irish song, and particularly skilled at changing the words of a song to humorous effect, he was much loved by his many friends and colleagues. An avid runner, he completed 25 marathons including the Boston Marathon 7 years in a row (with still the all-time family record of 3 hours and 7 minutes). Also, an avid day-trader, his worst days were when the stock market was closed and there were no Premier League matches on. He was skilled at tennis and was an ambivalent golfer, although he liked the craic that went along with golf, particularly at the 19th hole.

After Maureen’s death, he was well supported by a great network of family and lifelong friends. He lived a fantastic life and was cherished by his five children and twelve grandchildren, Nora, Clare, Helen, Vera, Owen, Dermot, Evelyn, Siobhán, Conrad, Josie, Dylan and Declan. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends in Florida, Ireland, and Newfoundland.

Níbheidh a leithéid arís ann.

11/09/2024

11/09/2024

Great Memories

11/17/2023

Throw Back Thursday ❤️

11/06/2023

To our military and veterans,

In the month of November, we are reminded of a day that holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. This Veterans Day, we take pause to honor your commitment to our nation's freedom and security. We recognize the immense sacrifices you have made, the hardships you have endured, and the families you have left behind.

As we celebrate your extraordinary contributions, we also reaffirm our commitment to supporting you and your families. We pledge to ensure that you have access to the resources and care you deserve, both during your service and in the years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude for service. Thank you for your commitment to our nation's freedom and security.

Sincerely,

The physicians and staff of Bay Area Orthopaedic Specialists

11/26/2022

Bay Area Orthopaedic Specialists is proud to participate in the 2022 Toys for Tots Program. We know from the smiles on children's faces and the grateful appreciation of their parents that the simple gift of a new toy can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child. All toys are distributed with in our local community.

Please stop by our office and drop off a new unwrapped toy during regular business hours Mondays through Fridays. Collection ends on Tuesday December 14th 2022.

11/10/2022

10/28/2022

Wishing our patients, family & friends a spooktacular weekend !

10/21/2022

Proud to sponsor a raffle prize for the Pinellas County Chiropractic 26th Annual Golf Tournament. Over 70 golfers competed for the coveted Championship. We are happy that our friend David A. Sandefur DC ESQ – Florida Law Doc won our basket!