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Robert Sharp Obituary

Sharp, Robert R. 5/15/1941 - 6/10/2018 Ann Arbor, MI Robert R. Sharp, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Michigan, was tragically killed in his Ann Arbor home during a home invasion occurring on June 10th. Professor Sharp joined the U of M faculty in 1969 where he proudly mentored countless studentsfrom incoming freshman to senior graduate students--until his retirement in 2008. He was not only a man of science but of the mind, with a love of history, art, philosophy and world affairs. Robert was a loving and dedicated father to his son David and daughter-in-law Kristine, and proud grandfather of Matthew, 13, and Anika, 11, all residing in New York. On the night of his death, Robert had been planning a cruise with his family. Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maria, who passed away from cancer on April 20th of this year. He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to truly know him. His son and only child can only aspire to become a man as good as he. A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 1:00 PM with a Remembrance Service at 1:30 PM at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor.

Published by Ann Arbor News from Jul. 9 to Jul. 14, 2018.
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As others have mentioned, I learned of this via the crime TV show.
I was moved to express my deepest condolences to the family. I'm so sorry that you lost him, he seemed like quite a good man. He clearly had a good heart and his memory lives on in all who remember him. Be blessed.

Jamie

Other

January 28, 2024

I too just learned about this tragic crime on a television show. Such a disturbing case and I think many of us could see Mr. Sharp as our own father or grandfather, and that makes it so difficult and personal. I'm very glad the perpetrator is locked up for life, I pray Mr. Sharp is enjoying a blessed paradise. My deepest sympathy goes to his family.

Nicos C. Elias

Other

January 16, 2023

I just learned of this senseless tragedy via a true crime show on ID, and my heart is truly broken for this beautiful man. It’s true what they say, ugly, awful things happen to the kindest souls..or so it seems. I am a Michigan native/resident, and my heart goes out to all who knew and loved Mr. Sharp. Rest in peace kind sir..

Jackie

June 4, 2021

I was saddened and horrified to hear of Bob's passing and the manner of his passing. Bob and I were best buddies in Lakewood during the 11th grade (11th grade for me, Bob took extra courses and graduated a year ahead of the rest of us). During the summer between my 11th and 12th grades - for Bob - between Lakewood High and MIT - Bob convinced me to go canoeing with him in Algonquin Provincial Park. It must have been Bob's idea, I had no idea there was anything in Canada beyond Niagara Falls. I had a job at a municipal pool, but the pool opening was delayed so I had time. We drove off - Bob had a NASA official business sign to use in case we were caught speeding - but we never had to use it. We got to the park after what must have been an 8 - 10 hour drive (mostly by Bob) and informed the rangers of our intended route. We rented a canoe. I'm not sure where we spent the first night. Somehow we made contact with some friends of Bob's family who had a cabin in the park near some youth camps. We then began our trek. I think we must have travelled about four days and nights. It seems that we canoed for about a half hour and then spent about 2-3 hours portaging to the next lake (always two trips, one to carry the canoe and one for our gear and food). We drank water from the lakes and survived. We spent one night on an island in a lake for safety (we thought the loons were wolves) only to find a million mosquitoes had already claimed the island. We enjoyed the food we brought - mostly canned soup and canned meat - and had a good time. We spent the final night with Bob's family friends and then drove home. My Mom wouldn't let me bring any of my clothing into the house - it reeked. My job started up, Bob went off to MIT and our ways never crossed again, but I will never forget our adventure. -- Jon Harper

Jon Harper

Friend

May 6, 2021

I'm so late in finding out about Bob. Bob was one of my thesis advisors in 2000. I had just looked him up to find out how he was doing. Last time I spoke to him, he was talking about his retirement. I can't begin to say what a deep and caring mentor he was. I want to let you all know that he changed so many lives for the better. I would have had a much worse time without Bob in my life during my graduate school career. He was supportive, realistic, kind and so intelligent. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of this great man.

Deanne Taylor

April 24, 2020

I worked for Bob Sharp as a young one in the mid 80's enriching PSII and loading machine language on a C64 to run an old Bruker NMR ("Cadillac of NMRs" he said -or was built like one is what he implied). I screwed up, a lot, and he was very patient. He was truly a great educator and is a hero to me. Thank you Bob.

Tim Bayburt

March 25, 2019

I was just at Wendy's and saw a plaque In Loving Memory of Robert Sharp and Maria Sharp. I was shocked. I inquired of the manager about it. She told me to go online and read the story. She didn't really want to say. Dr. Sharp was one of the professors I worked for when I was in Chemistry in the late 80's. He was a very kind man. Since working near Wendy's, I would see him and his wife at Wendy's. I spoke to him and told him I remembered him from Chemistry. Soon I would see him and not his wife. Not realizing she had passed away. It seems I just saw him a few weeks ago. This has been devastating news to me. My heart goes out to his son and family. God help us when people do not value human life. They place things over people. To his son, may God comfort you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Alfreda Onimo

August 9, 2018

I was a member of the Chemistry faculty at U of M from 1990 until 2002.
Robert's office was just two doors down from mine.
He was a brilliant scientist with a keen sense of humor. He always made me laugh.
So sorry to hear of his tragic death on the news.
I would have attended the service, had I known earlier of his passing.
I know all who knew him will miss his infectious and generous spirit.

Barbara J. Weathers
Farmington Hills MI

Barbara Weathers

July 30, 2018

Robert and I became acquainted while walking and talking on the indoor track at LA Fitness near Briarwood Mall. We talked mostly about the weather and amazed at how many hotels were being built along State Street. The University of Michigan draws a lot of people to A2 for many reasons. I heard that he wife Maria had passed. I attended her Memorial that Robert wanted to be a happy celebration of her life. I learned a lot about Croatia and the history of Europe. Robert must have been a great professor at UofM. RIP

July 16, 2018

David

I don't know if you remember me, My name is Jeff Toliver. I worked with your mother in the late 1980s at ISR and I took care of your Grandparents when your Mom and Dad would go out of town. I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know that your mom had passed until I received word about your Dad from friends in Ann Arbor. Your mother and father were wonderful people and very good to me. I also loved your Grandparents very much. They were wonderful people and first generation immigrants here. My heartfelt condolence for you and your family. Words cannot express how sorry I am.

Jeff Toliver

Dr Jeffrey Toliver

July 16, 2018

Robert is already missed. Only knew Robert through our Gym,
LA Fitness. We both saw and talked to one another over the years.
We both had the same work out time. While we were working and when retired. Robert knew his field well and he knew Sports well. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to Robert at LAF.

Alan Sherbrook

Alan Sherbrook

July 16, 2018

Bertoni

July 10, 2018

Your father was a marvelous man - friendly, knowledgeable and intellectually curious. We lived at the opposite end of the building from your parents for ten years and were really saddened to hear of his death and your mother's passing as well. They both enriched our lives. We send love, prayers and wishes for peace for you and your family. - Stephanie and Tom Teague.

Tom Teague

July 10, 2018

A great person and a sweetheart of a gentleman, our loss.

Michael Conlin

July 9, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Memorial Gathering

1:00 p.m.

Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Liberty Road Chapel

3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Funeral services provided by:

Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Liberty Road Chapel

3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

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