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William Sharpless Obituary
Family-Placed Funeral Notice
WILLIAM ”Bill” McNINCH SHARPLESS 81, of Tequesta and Beaverkill, NY, beloved husband and father, died on September 19, 2007 with his wife and children by his side, in Rhinebeck, NY. Bill is survived by his wife, Frances; children: Billy, John and Sara; grandchildren: Caroline, Jackson, Derin, Derya and Lauren; and siblings: Edward Arthur, Patricia, Delinda, Sara, Janet, Constance and Alice. After serving in the Signal Corps, US Army from 1943 to 1946, Bill graduated from Harvard College (1949) and Columbia University Law (1952). As an attorney, Bill was corporate counsel for North American Philips Co. and then co-founded the firm of Green and Sharpless. Although an early client once jokingly asked whether the firm name represented their experience and acumen, the firm (later becoming Green, Sharpless and Greenstein) prospered at Rockefeller Plaza. In 1981, Bill's firm merged and became the Manhattan office of Nixon, Hargrave, Devans and Doyle. After moving to Tequesta, Florida in 1987, Bill concluded his legal career doing estate planning and probate work as counsel to the firm of Jeck, Harris and Jones. Throughout his life, Bill was gracious with his time and resources in philanthropic endeavors. He was the first president of A-HOME, Inc. (Apropos Housing Opportunities and Management Enterprises, Inc.) a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing housing for the vulnerable citizens of Westchester County, NY. He served as chairman of the Visiting Nurse Assn. of South Florida. Bill was an active member and vestry member of Grace Episcopal Church, NYC, St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Mt. Kisco, New York and the Church of the Good Shepherd in Tequesta, Florida. He was active in endowment, cursillo, stewardship and Kairos ministries at the Church of the Good Shepherd. He served as president of the Beaverkill Methodist Church. Bill was an avid golfer and a former President, Vice President and Board Member of Tequesta Country Club. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2:00pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tequesta, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 Seabrook Rd, Tequesta FL 33469. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for William Sharpless
Larry Dunham
September 30, 2007
Dear Sharpless Family,
Our family's prayers were with you these past couple months and they continue. When I was growing up in Westchester County New York, your family was like a second family for me. I enjoyed joining you on several family vacations so I could watch the kids while Bill and Fran could relax. Bill worked long days in NYC but always took time to show great love for his family. I know that he is at peace now but he will certainly be missed. We all live on in our children and I know Bill is honored to have three such wonderful individuals as his legacy.
Robert Green
September 24, 2007
Bill Sharpless was one of the finest men I ever knew. He was my law school classmate at Columbia University, one of the seven founding members of our Poker Group - now in its 55th year - and my law partner from 1970 until he retired in the late 1980's.
I was enormously privileged to have Bill as such a close and long-time friend, and as a wonderful and talented law partner. A gentle, modest man, Bill none-the-less was tenacious and unyielding in protecting and promoting the interests of our clients, and could always be counted on to respond to and support the needs of his partners.
He was also a darned good poker player!
We all mourn Bill's passing, and express our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family - who are a fitting legacy to a life well lived.
Sally Anderson Brush
September 24, 2007
Dear Frances, I feel privileged to have known Bill. I wish we lived nearer so that we could be with you and your family at this time of transition. Much love, Sally
Susan Tomasian
September 24, 2007
To the Sharpless Family,
Bill was such a learned, gentle, generous patriarch to such an extended family. He was a wonderful partner to Fran as they constantly opened their warm home to so many. We are lucky to have such fond memories of him during our many days at 'Wheaton South".
Joan Butler
September 24, 2007
Dear Fran and Family;
Thinking of you all at this time of great loss. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of all those years together and knowing that Bill is now at peace.
Wishing I was closer to offer help in any way.
Neal and Liz Bardin
September 24, 2007
Dear Fran,
Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. We will all miss Bill and his friendship but will hold him up and find comfort that he is in a much better place.
Wish that we could be with you but
please know that we are in spirit.
All our love , Neal and Liz
Helen Church
September 22, 2007
Dear Fran and family,
Bill and I extend our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Bill.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely,
Helen
Lynda Ellis
September 22, 2007
Fran and family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. After reading Bill's bio it is easy to understand how much he will be missed. He was accomplished professionally, but he was as accomplished in his philanthropic endeavors. Such a giving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Megan Field
September 22, 2007
Fran, Sara and family,
my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I will always remember Bill so fondly, he was a gracious host to the extended Wheaton Family. Many prayers. Megan Collins Field
Ellen DaCorte
September 22, 2007
I am saddened to hear the news of Bill's passing. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to know Bill- what a truly kind and gentle man. I enjoy and will always cherish the recipe book that Fran and Bill gave to the Wheaties- remember the wonderful Paella he made when we were in Florida?
Love to you all. -Ellen
Betsy Demir
September 21, 2007
To Fran, Billy, John and Sara and children:
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. What a wonderful life you will be celebrating in the days and years to come. I didn't know Bill well, but I do know how dearly you loved him and how much he must have been comforted by the love and splendid care of each of you during this last year, especially. Please know that I will be thinking of you in the days ahead.
A special hug to you, dear Fran, from your classmate,
Darlene beers
September 21, 2007
Dear Fran and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful person and he will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Bill and Darlene Beers
Kim Caswell Snyder
September 21, 2007
I am sending love and wishing all of you peace and comfort at this time. Bill will always have a very special place in my heart; he was such a good man. Much love always...
Sally and Ed Cerny
September 21, 2007
What very sad news! We so missed you all in Beaverkill this summer, Fran, and you and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. I can still hear Bill reading the lesson and keeping us up to date on all the local blessings and concerns--and I have such warm thoughts and memories of you both, not to mention Sara! I hope we will see you soon and that Bill's memory and love will continue to strengthen you in the months ahead. Love from all the Cernys--
Stuart Root
September 21, 2007
Fran, Sarah and family...My condolences to you all and the hope that you are comforted by the belief that Bill is, now, "in a better place" after all the stresses of this last year. I am sure that he was burdened as much by the sense that he was in such great need as he was by his own infirmities. We will miss his cheer and banter, and his friendly readings, but we will not forget them. As ever... Stu
Lynn Waplington
September 21, 2007
Dear Fran, Sara and family,
We shared many happy times together with Bill at Wheaton, in New York, in Boston and in Florida. He will always be remembered as a very special person. Loving thoughts to you all at the time and always.
Sheila K Vernick
September 21, 2007
To the family of the late Bill Sharpless: I am extremely saddened at the news of Bill's passing. Naturally we hoped, along with all of you, that Bill could somehow get stronger during the next period of time. Such was not to be - because the Good Lord saw his extreme suffering, and called Bill to the Eternal Rest that he very much needed.
My sincere sympathy to Fran and Sara, 2 Wheaton sisters; and to the rest of this lovely family who will feel the loss of their special Dad. My heart, thoughts, and prayers for your strength are with you.
Sincerely,
John and Ginger Roll
September 21, 2007
We send our deepest love to you Fran and your family.Having Bill as Johnnie's closest freind for over 50 years has left wonderful memories.We are lucky to have known such a kind and loving man. Johnnie and Ginger Roll
Richard Osborne
September 21, 2007
My deepest condolences to the family.
Mary Hall
September 21, 2007
Dear Fran, Sara and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We have many wonderful memories of Bill, especially at the Church and we will miss him here in Beaverkill very much. You are in our thoughts.
love,
mary hall
Jean Harper
September 21, 2007
I treasure the many years of friendship my dear husband Carroll and I shared with you, Fran, and Bill. What a lovely man he was.You are both especially in my heart. Jean Harper
Marie Yarborough
September 21, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Sharpless' passing. I have many fond memories of our college "spring break" visits to Florida. Fran and Bill were gracious hosts who kept the ten or twelve of us entertained at every turn. You are all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Anna S.
September 21, 2007
Sending love to all the Sharpless family at this difficult time. I have very happy memories of my times in Florida and New York enjoying being a part of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love,
Anna
Bruce Kratz
September 21, 2007
Fran and Family- Please accept my sympathy on Bill's passing. I will miss my good friend and golf partner very much. Bruce
David & Jane Anderson
September 21, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Michael Connors
September 21, 2007
Bill was a fine man and he will be missed.
Love, Michael and Claudette Connors
Barb and Ed MacMillan
September 21, 2007
Our hearts are with you all and the note we sent with the flowers says it best, "If God had a wallet, Bill's picture would be in it."
John & Jean Kitchen
September 21, 2007
Shortly after reading your latest e-mails,we received the news of Bill's passing. We were both saddened by the news, and would like to convey our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you, Fran, and your family. May God bless you all at this time.
John & Jean Kitchen, Norfolk, England
Dick & Jane Schiller
September 21, 2007
You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Love & Prayers, Dick & Jane Schiller
Michael Sherman
September 21, 2007
My sympathies to Fran and the entire family. My first job out of law school in 1977 was with Green, Sharpless & Greenstein. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from Bill, an outstanding lawyer, gentleman and family man. Patient and thoughtful, humble and unassuming. A great role model. May you be comforted in your mourning. Sincerely, Michael Sherman
Brad & Nell Berg
September 21, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dena Getzie
September 21, 2007
Dear Fran and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May your wonderful memories and love for him sustain you during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Dena Getzie
Wheaton College
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