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John Robert Sharkey
1943 - 2015
John Robert Sharkey
1943 - 2015
Obituary
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John Sharkey Obituary
August 28, 1943 ~ October 22, 2015
Resident of San Ramon
John R. Sharkey, 72, died October 22, 2015.
He was born in Chicago, IL to Lt. Howard Sharkey and Dolores Sharkey. He graduated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, CO and Metropolitan State University in Denver. Growing up in an Air Force family, he spent his childhood living in Japan, Taiwan and various U.S. states.
John's professional career spanned over 40 years as a Human Resources Executive. He enjoyed a 29 year career with Safeway Inc. when the company moved him and his young family from Denver to Northern California in 1974. He was promoted to management positions in the corporate offices in Oakland and Walnut Creek. He spent the remainder of his career as a Human Resources Consultant for companies throughout the Bay Area. He served in the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce and numerous other Boards. John was a people person, a coach, a mentor and with his guidance, enriched many people's lives and careers.
John was involved in youth sports in the local community including Canyon Creek Little League, San Ramon Soccer and served as President for Tri Valley Ice Hockey.
John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Beth; his children Jennifer (Shane) Palmer of Lafayette, Steven (Amy) Sharkey of Gilbert, AZ, Michelle (Bill) Bauer of Alamo, Scott (Heather) Sharkey of Aurora, CO; his 12 grandchildren, Abigail, Margaret, Elizabeth, Taylor, Dylan, Jack, Peri, Paige, Kade, Drake, Carter and Savannah. He is also survived by his Mother, Dolores Sharkey of Denver, CO; two brothers, Allen Sharkey of Castle Rock, CO and James Sharkey of Colorado Springs, CO; a sister, Sue Jordan Sharkey of Parker, CO and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father, Lt. Col. Howard Sharkey.
His witty, loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to a Vigil on Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. at Wilson & Kratzer Chapel of San Ramon Valley, 825 Hartz Way, Danville and a Funeral Liturgy on Friday, October 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette.
View the online memorial for John Robert Sharkey
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Christopher Dougherty
December 3, 2015
Mr. Sharkey was a good man. There is no greater accomplishment a man can commit than to raise fine children who go into this world and act with kindness and grace. With Mrs. Sharkey at his side, the two raised four children who make this world a better place within which to live. I am not a religious man, but I do hope there is a special place in Heaven for him.
Kathy (Shires) McIntyre
November 17, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. Even though we have not seen each other in years I still remember all of the crazy things we did as children. Please accept my heart felt condolences.
Pattie (Jensen) Sellers
November 1, 2015
Mary Beth and family, I have fond memories of our times together. I am so sorry for your great loss and will keep you in my prayers. He and Loren are together laughing about the old times!
Jennifer Starkey Palmer
November 1, 2015
You were the first bright light in my life Dad and taught me to always surround myself with brightness. Love Gigi
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Jim & Patty Daumueller
October 30, 2015
So many of us in Urbandale our mourning the loss of your husband, John, Mary Beth. Always enjoyed your visits back to Iowa and your visit to Mesa. We are thinking and remembering all of you at this time.
With love,
Jim & Patty Daumueller
October 29, 2015
Our Sincere Condolences to the Sharkey Family.
We think back fondly of our ice hockey days and enjoyment they gave us.
Sincerely,
Bill, Judy, Todd, and Will Utikal
Joe Perez
October 28, 2015
To the Sharkey family,
Our Prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Our Deepest Condolences. We miss all our Hockey Family, now especially John Sharkey a true caring Gentleman.
Bryson, BJ, Barb and Joe Perez
October 28, 2015
Steve and Amy, and the Sharkey family,
Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
John and Lisa Fischl
Jeff & Dory Willer
October 28, 2015
Lighting a light for all the fond memories, in appreciation of John and all he did for others.
Drew Holloway
October 28, 2015
I always had positive contact with John and appreciated his guidance! He was a great guy and will be missed!
Rich Calhoun
October 26, 2015
I am so fortunate to have been a partner of John's on the Safeway management team as well as a good personal friend. John has always been a joy to be with through thick and thin. He was always there for everyone he encountered, giving generously of his personal and professional talents and resources, which were of the highest quality and quantity. Thanks, John. Your life made a great difference for so many of us. Well done!
Rich Calhoun
Geoff Kennedy
October 26, 2015
Mary Beth - Kristine and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you, Jennifer, Steve, Michelle, Scott and the rest of the family. John was a true gentleman. We remember with fondness picking up our children from your home when they were little, always getting a warm welcome from John and usually some advice for us as young parents too. We will miss him.
Sincerely,
Geoff, Kristine, Geoffrey, Larson
Geoff Kennedy
October 26, 2015
Mary Beth - Kristine and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you, Jennifer, Steve, Michelle, Scott and the rest of the family. John was a true gentleman. We remember with fondness picking up our children from your home when they were little, always getting a warm greeting from John and usually some advice for us as young parents. We will miss him.
Sincerely,
Geoff, Kristine, Geoffrey and Larson
Curt Shires
October 26, 2015
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Our hearts go out to you and your family during this trying time and may our prayers serve as comfort to you and your loved ones.
Curt, Laura, Kyle and Heather Shires, Roselle IL.
October 25, 2015
Our heartfelt sympathies to the Sharkey family. John was a wonderful person, we were shocked to hear of his passing but know that the Lord's divine peace will comfort. - Donald and Carolyn Scott
Ross Bonander
October 25, 2015
My deepest condolences to Mrs Sharkey and to Jennifer, Steve, and Michelle.
Ray & Gladys Ford
October 24, 2015
Our Deepest Sympathy in the loss of John. We wish our words could somehow ease your sadness, but in our hearts, we know the most they can do is simply tell you how much we care. The Ford Family.
Mary Beth Laubenstein
October 24, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Sharkey family at this difficult time. Uncle John will definitely be missed. God bless, Mary Beth Laubenstein and family.
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