PORTSMOUTH – Robert V. Sprankle, 53, of Portsmouth died on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015.

Born in 1962 to Kenneth and Patricia, Bob was a beloved teacher at Wells Elementary School for over 17 years.

Bob's special gift for integrating technology in education and for helping students tap their own creative energy earned him such accolades as Maine's Technology Teacher of the Year (2005) and made him a sought-after speaker at educational conferences. In recognition of his ability to inspire both students and teachers alike, this fall the Association of Computer Technology Educators of Maine honored him with the prestigious John Lunt Friend of Technology Award.

Despite struggling for many years with serious health issues that ultimately forced him to retire from the classroom, Bob's passion for artistic expression – and for touching the hearts of others with his artwork – remained strong.

In 1993, Bob met his future wife, Jody Breneman, and their life's journey together began with an actual cross-country journey. They married in 1996 and daughter Zoe was born in 1998. They were a close-knit family with a shared love for music and the arts, and Bob deeply cherished his special bond with his daughter.

Bob is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jody; his daughter, Zoe; his father, Ken; brother Rick and wife Ann, brother Jake and wife Beth, sister Debbie and husband Tom, and sister Denise; brothers-in-law Robert and wife Dianna, and John; and his nieces and nephews, Corey, Erin and Lucas; Ricky and Jeff, Jesse and Leah; Tanner and Finn; Emily and Zachary. He is predeceased by mother, Pat.

A college scholarship fund created in his honor will be awarded annually to two Wells High School seniors, one pursuing a career in education and one pursuing technology. Donations to the Robert V. Sprankle Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent to Wells High School, 200 Sanford Road, Wells, ME 04090.

SERVICES: Funeral services are private.