Thomas Andrew Sharkey

Thomas A. Sharkey, 37, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away at home on Friday, December 2, 2022, due to a heart issue. Thomas was born and grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where his childhood included soccer and basketball games, biking outdoors, and playing with Frisky, the family dog. He was a graduate of Columbus Alternative High School and The Ohio State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Economics and studied for a master's degree in Social Work. He explored several professional interests during his life, including working at Columbus area restaurants and pursing independent entrepreneurial ventures; he especially enjoyed selling books. Tom had wide-ranging intellectual interests, and will be remembered for his intelligence and humor. He liked to make people laugh, and spent a year studying comedy and improv at The Second City in Chicago. He loved driving, and visited many parts of the United States over the years on road trips, sometimes to visit his extended family. Tom was passionate about justice and caring for others. During his life, he spent time volunteering at an animal shelter and a nursing home, and he enjoyed working with immigrant communities in Columbus during his social work studies. He often shared his time and resources with the people in his life, especially those who he felt might be overlooked by others. He was devoted to providing help and support to his parents. At all stages of his life, he cared deeply about his friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael J. Sharkey. He is survived by his mother Patricia Sharkey; brother Terence Sharkey; sisters Colleen Sharkey (Michael Shiflet) and Michelle Sharkey; nieces Harriet and Amelia; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends are welcome to visit on Tuesday, December 20, from 2:00-5:00pm at Rutherford Funeral Home, 2383 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43202. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 21st, at 10:30 AM, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 East North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio 43214. All are welcome. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center, where Tom often volunteered to walk dogs. Rutherford Funeral Home - University is honored to care for the Sharkey Family.