Gary L. Sharpe

1947 - 2024

Sharpe, Hon. Gary L.
BALLSTON LAKE - Hon. Gary L. Sharpe of Ballston Lake, 77, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, while holding the hand of Lorraine, his beloved wife of 57 years. His passing followed a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was a "New Year's" baby, born on January 1, 1947, to the late Betty Ludlow (Harrington) and Alvah (Tom) Sharpe. Gary was predeceased by his older half-brother, Henry Trokanski; and his younger sister, Linda Sharpe. Gary was also predeceased by his grandson, Colby Sharpe; and brother-in-law, Tony DelNero.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lorraine; and by his sons, Robert (Ann) and Michael; and his four grandchildren, Jake, Danny, Natalie, and Rachel, to whom he was always and will forever be their Pop Pop. Gary is also survived by his younger twin siblings, Jane Sharpe and Joel Sharpe, sister-in-law, Dawn DelNero, as well as beloved nephews and niece, Anthony, Danielle, Nick, Beau and Ben.
Gary was born in Cortland, N.Y. and raised by his mother, Betty, a single mother often working multiple jobs to support her five children. Gary excelled both academically and athletically, playing football, basketball and baseball. Gary and Lorraine met at Cortland High School, graduated in 1965, and were married in December 1966. They have been inseparable life partners in every sense of the word since that time.
Gary attended a semester at the University of Miami of Ohio and was a member of the Navy ROTC Program. Gary then volunteered for the army and served in Vietnam. Upon his return from the war, Gary and Lorraine moved first to Ohio University for a year, then on to Buffalo, N.Y. where Gary graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1971. He graduated with a four-year Bachelor of Arts Degree that he achieved in two years. In those days you could do that – Gary made his case to the Dean stating he was a non-traditional student, a veteran, and already married with two young children.
Gary attended Cornell Law School graduating in 1974. He then began his career as a prosecutor with the Broome County District Attorney's Office in Binghamton, N.Y. (1974 to 1981) where he worked for the Hon. Patrick D. Monserrate, whom he always considered both mentor and friend.
Gary's professional life was one of public service, first as a long-time prosecutor and then as a judge. Gary was a special assistant attorney general based in Syracuse from 1981 to 1982. Gary then joined the United States Attorney's Office where he served from 1982 to 1997. From 1992 to 1994, Gary was the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York.
In 1997, Gary was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge based in Syracuse. In 2004, Gary was appointed by President George W. Bush as a United States District Court Judge in the Northern District of New York. Gary served as Chief Judge from 2011 to 2016, at which time he took senior status. Gary enjoyed the company and comradery of the entire legal community and formed lifelong friendships with his court family.
Gary took great pride in his professional life, but his greatest joy was his family. Gary loved being a dad and then for the last 20-plus years Pop-Pop to his grandchildren. He was regularly on the sidelines and in the bleachers cheering on his sons and grandkids. Gary and Lorraine cherished family above all else, returning home each year at Thanksgiving, Christmas and summers on the lake. In Sun City, South Carolina, Gary enjoyed filling his days with golf, tennis, reading, travel, dining and cards with special friends.
Gary's personality was larger than life, his big booming laugh filled any room. He was a Mickey Mantle fanatic and lifetime Yankees fan. Gary was also a long-suffering Cleveland Brown's fan. Gary would accept no argument other than that Jim Brown was the greatest running back in NFL history. No obituary of Gary would be complete without noting Gary's lifelong love of The Duke, John Wayne, and his movies.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 US-9, Clifton Park, N.Y. 12065.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made in the memory of Gary L. Sharpe to Hospice or the Center for Disability Services of Albany.
Family and friends are invited to share online condolences and memories, at CatricalaFuneralHome.com