Ernest Hassain Sharif

Ernest "Ernie" Hassain Sharif, 68, passed away on February 11, 2025.
Born October 23, 1956 as Ernest Jenkins Paige, he was raised in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Schenley High School in 1974.
During his junior high and high school years, Ernie became an accomplished boxer under the tutelage of his trainer Charlie Daniels. Soon after, Ernie became a Golden Gloves Champion and was ranked 2nd in the United States under the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard.
Ernie legally changed his name to Ernest Hassain Sharif in 1975 when he converted to Islam. After boxing, he graduated from Duquesne School of Law in 1982 and turned his fighting prowess to fighting crime as an Assistant District Attorney. Thereafter, he decided to become a lawyer for the people, and represent the rights of the accused.
Numerous testimonials from colleagues and clients show that Ernie put his clients first and was a zealous advocate at a price his clients could afford. In addition, he also volunteered his time mentoring and tutoring up and coming law students at his alma mater. That would come as no surprise as Ernie was a devout Muslim and sought to be informed by his faith at every turn. In fact, Ernie was a religious scholar who sometimes lectured at his local Mosque.
Ernie loved spending time with his family, especially during birthdays and holidays where he often enjoyed a good steak.
Ernie is survived by his daughter Aisha, his two sons EJ, and Ibrahim, his two grandsons Bryson Lucas and Desmond Lucas, and a host of family members and friends. He will be sorely missed, as he was truly loved and adored by his family and many members of the boxing, legal and Islamic communities. A celebration of Ernie's life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg, PA.