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William Sharpsteen Obituary
Age 65, of Clearwater, FL, died Monday, July 14, 2014, after a short illness. He is survived by his brother, Phil Sharpsteen of Jericho, VT; his nephew, Matthew Stephenson, and his wife, Deanna, and their children, Olivia and Aidan, of Clifton Park, NY; and his niece, Heather Stephenson, her husband, Mark Kapij, and their daughter, Anya Stephenson Kapij, of Lexington, MA. Born August 31, 1948, in Binghamton, NY, he was the son of Arthur and Esther Sharpsteen. An outgoing, generous man who was quick with a joke, he regularly brought friends together to enjoy good food and help with volunteer projects. He graduated from Binghamton High School in 1966. There he was president of the chess club, a member of the golf team, and manager and statistician for the varsity basketball team and statistician for the Chenango Valley varsity basketball team. He earned an associate's degree in electrical engineering technologies in 1968 from Broome Community College, where he was manager and statistician of the basketball team, accompanying it to two national junior college tournaments. He also played on the college golf team. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from TriState College in 1971. There he was the booster club president and senior class president, and served as building fund chairman for the fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon. A talented salesman, he worked for Syracuse Bearing/Kaman Technologies from 1971 to 1984. From 1984 to 2001, he was president of Sharp Concepts, a sales agency covering the Northeastern United States that he founded. Starting in 2002, he was president of Sensible Components. He was also president of JIT Silicone Plus, which he founded in 2010. In 1999, he launched the Art Sharpsteen Scholarship Fund to recognize his father's more than 45 years as a basketball coach, mostly in the Southern Tier of New York State. The fund distributes scholarships to student athletes with financial need in the Binghamton, Chenango Valley, and Waverly, NY, school districts. He was influential in getting Arthur Sharpsteen inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame as a high school coach. In semi-retirement, he fostered nearly 400 greyhound dogs. He founded Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions in 2003 and served as its president until his final illness. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, with Senior Pastor Glenn Davis at Countryside Christian Center, 1850 N McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Art Sharpsteen Scholarship Fund, c/o the Community Foundation for South Central New York, 520 Columbia Drive, Suite 100, Johnson City, New York 13790 (note Sharpsteen Fund in the memo) or online at donorswhocare.org/sharpsteen. Or donations may be made to Gold Coast Greyhounds,P.O. Box 6501, Clearwater, FL 33758, or www.goldcoastgreyhounds.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Sharpsteen
Sandee Geres
July 13, 2023
I met Bill many years ago when he would man the booth for the Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions at 3rd Night in Safety Harbor. Last week I adopted my second greyhound from GCGA. If it weren´t for Bill would not have known about his rescue mission... so his cause still lives on in connecting others to this wonderful breed. You are fondly and greytly remembered ..,
Theresa Mikszenas
July 13, 2019
Think of Billy so often... Just the other day I spoke of him while I was stacking those damn dishes! He was right... never stack the dishes because then you have to wash both sides. I've never forgotten, but don't always follow his advise... sorry Bill. Also, as I drive around OTOW, I can hear his thoughts... where did all the greyhounds go? They were everywhere when he was running the club... now, not so many. Sure miss the entire Sharpsteen family.
Sandee Geres
July 13, 2019
It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by yet Bill is still much-remembered. His name always comes up when talking to others how instrumental he was in finding just the perfect Greyhound for one of my friends many years ago. I recently adopted my third Greyhound ... this one through Bill's rescue group (my other two are racing around at Rainbow Bridge). It was by meeting and talking with Bill at Safety Harbor's Third Night, that I learned how wonderful these dogs are ... so for that I am forever grateful or should say Greytful .... to Bill. May he rest in peace knowing how he touched other's lives along his journey.
Rebecca and Jorge Urrea
August 10, 2014
We owe Bill a huge debt of gratitude for our wonderful Scooby. We will remember Bill fondly for his generous love of greyhounds and loving character.
Kay Jester
August 10, 2014
You will be missed.So enjoyed the time that you spent with our family. Great memories will remain with us.
Bob & Deb Bonomo
August 9, 2014
I watched Bill parade his greyhounds for walks everyday, always smiling, thankful for a chat and a pat for his many Lucky New Fosters. He was certainly a special person. He'll be missed. Condolences' to Bills family, so sorry for your loss.
Gary Russell
August 7, 2014
Having known Bill for many years, he will be missed by all. He touched the lives of everyone that he came into contact with. He brought Joy and Happiness not only to his Family but his extended family and friends as well. I will Miss you my longtime friend and I know that you are no longer suffering from the alements that this world carries. You are with your Mom and Dad now and I know that is important to you!! Love and condolences to his family in this time of his passing.
Carol Stull
August 6, 2014
May God take you in is arms along with with all the wonderful greyhounds that you have shared your life with. We will miss you deeply and our hearts are heavy but we know you are in good hands miss and always remember Ray and Carol Stull
Terri & Dick Mikszenas
July 26, 2014
We've lost a good friend and an 'old time' friend of the family... will never forget his humor and the advise he once gave me.. 'never stack the dishes because then you have to wash both sides...' Gone too soon and so many laughs too early...
Mary Roush
July 25, 2014
I fostered Greys with Bill for a short time while living at On Top of the World - he had a heart for the greys and was a wonderful caring man - he will definitely be missed by all who crossed his path.
Neil McLaughlin
July 23, 2014
Bill was a real life Pied Piper. Once you met Bill, you knew that he was special. I was a member of Bill's "ROMEO CLUB" (Retired Old Men Eating Out). We met for lunch every Tuesday and Bill would keep everyone laughing---while he stole your french fries from your plate. Everyone thought Bill was the owner of "Smokey Bones"; he was always there.
We will miss Bill's smiling face and great sense of humor. The St.Patrick's Day parade at OTOW, will be missing this "O Sharpstein presence-----"Who Let the Dogs Out!! Wuff Wuff!!
Neil & Mary McLaughlin
OTOW
Jack Finley
July 22, 2014
I worked with Bill as he was one of my managers at Kaman/Syracuse Bearing. Sorry to hear of his passing at such a young age. He had heart and a good sense of humor. He supported me in many ways. RIP Bill
Jim Scales
July 22, 2014
It is with great sadness to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill for many years at Kaman and shared many laughs. Bill was certainly the life of the party and will be sadly missed. RIP
Leslee Hall
July 21, 2014
Bill is one of the most exceptional, outstanding people to ever be in our lives. We are all so very fortunate to have known him. My heart hurts that he will not be on this Earth to continue the countless good deeds he is so known for. I am blessed that this dynamic man crossed my path. He will be genuinely missed each and every day.
unconditional love
Lorie Chambliss
July 21, 2014
We just received our beloved service trained greyhound ,for my son with autism. Bill let us come all the way from Palm Bay to pick up one of his greyhounds. We will be forever thankfull to him.
Dawn & Mike Murphy
July 21, 2014
Words fall short... we will miss you Bill. I know that you are being bombarded with kisses and leans on the other side of the rainbow bridge. You will be very missed, thank you for leaving us such a legacy of love on four legs!
Christopher Polny
July 21, 2014
Bill helped us get the Gainesville Chapter of GCGA going. His sage advice ensured we were focused. Thru him, I was able to learn so much more concerning the rescue of Greyhounds. But more importantly, I got to share some laughs with Bill. I went to a Rays baseball game with Bill back in 2012. I laughed so hard throughout the game. What I realized more was that I wanted to be more like Bill. What a great man! We don't always appreciate moments. I look back on the few times I spent with Bill as well as our many telephone calls. I did and do realize what a wonderful human being I was privileged to be associated with. You will be missed! If anything, this simply strengthens my desire to save more animals!
Diana DiLoreto
July 21, 2014
It was such an honor and privilege to have met Bill. Liking him from the moment I met him, I would have liked to have known him longer. Bill contributed so much time and effort into saving my greyhound, Freeway and I (we) shall always be grateful. His encouraging advise and love for the greyhounds directed me to forming a non profit to also help greyhounds. My husband and I extend our deepest sympathy to Bill's family and his many friends. There is comfort in remembering Bill and his contributions to society during his lifetime, and also in knowing he is now surrounded by so many greyhounds. In Loving memory of Bill, Diana & Tom DiLoreto
Marcy Mignosa
July 21, 2014
To the family and close friends of Bill. Bill touched a lot of lives. He made us laugh with his quick sense of humor. Anything Bill was involved in we wanted to help. We will remember his laugh and his smile every time we think of him. Rest in peace, Bill. Love, Richie and Marcy.
Vivian Denton
July 21, 2014
Bill because of you our home will forever be graced with retired greyhounds! You will be greatly missed. Have fun on the Rainbow bridge with all our greys who have passed! They will be glad to see you.
Pacey
Annie Garron
July 20, 2014
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. Bill was one of the kindest, most caring people I've ever known. He was such an amazing man, bringing the love of greyhounds to hundreds. Bill introduced our family to our wonderful greyhound Pacey, and he always remembered her. We have lost one of the good ones. I hear excited and loving barking from the Rainbow Bridge....
Jody and Lee Huston
July 20, 2014
Bill, Thank you for the years of always ready humor, always a willingness to look for the good in people and always putting the Greyhounds first. Because of your actions, thousands of Retired Racing Greyhounds are sharing their special love with people, in a world that needs it badly. Their first steps toward home began with you. Always, we'll remember and miss you.
Jilly and Col. Bailey
Tina Koufas-Eisbacher
July 20, 2014
This is a great loss for our Greyhound group. Michael & I will miss Bill terribly. Not only his compassion, but his fabulous sense of humor.
Carol and David Hudson
July 20, 2014
The world and especially the many greyhounds will miss this caring man.
Christine Lester
July 20, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill while working at Pet Smart as a representative for Blue. We shared many stories in the "lunch area" including some great juicing recipes. Bill 's humor and love for Greyhounds will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family and rest in peace Bill.
Abby, Katie and Derby Fitzgerald
Terry Fitzgerald
July 20, 2014
Abby, Katie and Derby Fitzgerald
Terry Fitzgerald
July 20, 2014
Abby Fitzgerald, my 2nd Greyhound adopted from Bill
Terry Fitzgerald
July 20, 2014
Amy Kragh
July 20, 2014
I am so sad to hear of Bill's passing. Prayers to his family.
Manny & Tiffany Duarte
July 20, 2014
Bill it has been said by us and many more, it's an honor to have had you in our lives. If there were more people like you in this world, it would be perfect!
Take care and I hope your journey is full of loved ones...
Our pride and joy!
Brian & Paulette Sullivan
July 19, 2014
We were very surprised at Bill's passing. Our condolences to his family. We have two wonderful additions to our family, Journey who eight years old, and Tippy, who is four years old. Thanks to Bill's dedication and devoted service to the Goldcoast Greyhound Rescue, we are blessed with these two outstanding animals that make us smile everyday.
Ron & Shirley Segal
July 19, 2014
Bill was a good man! One of the most dedicated advocates for Greyhound adoption that we've known. He is missed!!
Tiffani Smith
July 19, 2014
Bill was one of the kindest,gentlest people I've had the privilege to know.His work with the dogs is a wonderful legacy,and I will always remember him surrounded by several of his beloved hounds.
Laurie Zoock
July 19, 2014
Bill was the greyt-est ever! I am honored to have known him and he will be missed. My sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.
Judy Shamp
July 19, 2014
I was very sad to learn of Bill's fight with cancer and even worse that he lost this battle. Bill was a wonderful leader of our group Gold Coast Greyhounds. He was fair, slow to anger, always ready to help a dog or a human in need. Bill will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and to all of his friends as we grieve his loss this day.
Petsmart Pictures with Santa Frank and me
Bill Slatic
July 19, 2014
It was my sincere pleasure to volunteer with Bill at the Largo Mall Petsmart 2011-2013. Bill always had funny stories to tell and hoards of friends stopping by the booth with their Greyhounds. His pleasant smile and witty sarcasms always made the time enjoyable. Blessings Mr. Sharpsteen !
Scott Hendershot
July 19, 2014
My deepest condolences, this is very sad indeed. Bill always had a quick joke, and always loved seeing Parker. He will be missed.
Susan Arnett
July 19, 2014
I had the good fortune of knowing Bill through Goldcoast Greyhound Adoptions. I will always be grateful to him for his work with that organization. The two greyhounds I adopted through Goldcoast, who are now therapy dogs, have brought such joy to my life. Thank you Bill. You will be missed.
Debbie Burns
July 19, 2014
Bill was an awesome and generous man. He was larger than life and his love of greyhounds was even larger. All the dogs knew him and responded to him. We will miss him dearly, but will always remember his smile, laugh, chili and love of the lightning!
Debbie,Alan,Yale and Saugie Burns
Dennis Fellows
July 19, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. It was my privilege to be his friend growing up. I'll miss him.
Sharen Guokas
July 19, 2014
Bill was a wonderful stepbrother and we shared many great times together, a lot of them involving greyhounds. These will always be fond memories. Blessings and RIP
Sharen Guokas
July 19, 2014
Bill was a wonderful stepbrother and all the time we spent together, a lot of which involved Greyhound adventures, will always be very fond memories. Blessings and RIP
Sandee Geres
July 19, 2014
My condolences to Bill's family on their loss. I met Bill through his love of Greyhounds - chatting with him at Safety Harbor's Third Night. My two Greyhounds would enjoy mingling with the other Greys he would bring to this event where future adoptees would be able to meet and fall in love with these graceful creatures. Bill was always so friendly with a big smile on his face - making everyone feel welcome to ask him questions about his dogs and his mission. Thank you Bill for your kindness and the work you've done for so many whose lives are enriched by your being able to find "just the right Greyhound" to not only make their family complete but find "forever homes" for these talented 4-legged athletes.
Bob Marean
July 19, 2014
I'm sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I too "kept the book", and took over as the varsity scorekeeper for the basketball team after Bill graduated. He was a good friend, and will be missed.
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