George E. Sharkey

SACO - George Edward Sharkey, 69, of Saco, Maine passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at his home in Saco. 

He was born in Boston Massachusetts on Feb. 1, 1948 and raised in Stow, Massachusetts. He graduated from Nashoba High School, and attended Lowell Tech University and then on to Westbrook College in Portland.

George proudly served in the United States Army 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Air Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. On his return, he worked for Raytheon in Massachusetts and Data General in Westbrook.

He founded Mulligan's Restaurants in 1977 with locations in N. Windham, S. Portland, Portland and Sanford. For the past 20 years George owned and operated Mulligan's in Biddeford and created a full service, casual dining restaurant (a destination point) with an unimaginable price-concept. His love of the restaurant business was kindled in his early years working in Boston at the famous "O'Dee's" in Cambridge and at "The Cask'n Flagon", both in Massachusetts.

George was committed to giving back to the community. He sponsored city and college athletic programs, generously donated to local events and charities, and was dedicated to buying locally. He will be most remembered for his love of life and people and belief in the importance of treating those around us the way we would want to be treated.  His passions were golfing with the" one'oclock" crew, horse- racing, dancing, and often breaking out in song. He loved St. Patrick's Day and Christmas! We will all miss his light heartedness, his "Georgisms", smile and sense of humor and his loyalty to his family, friends and his employees at Mulligan's.

George is survived by his wife Beth of Saco, his mother Rita of Stow, Massachusetts, his brother Wayne and his wife Tina of Kennebunk, sisters Judy and husband Tom Zola of New Hampshire and Kathy Campos of Portland; 11 nieces and nephews, 2 grandnieces and 2 grandnephews.  George was predeceased by his father, Frederick Sharkey, and his nephew, Taylor Emmons.

Visiting Hours are Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Service to follow at 11:30 at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME. Burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund, 8374 Market St., Suite 246, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 or at Temmons.org. To share condolences online, please visit www.HopeMemorial.com.