Douglas "Doug" Sharples

6/2/1942 - 11/7/2024

Mystic - On Nov. 7, 2024, Douglas "Doug" Sharples, 82, of Mystic, beloved husband of Helene Sharples, died peacefully at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, after a brief illness. Born June 2, 1942, in Norwich, Doug was the son of Clayton Sharples and Faith Curtis Sharples.

Doug graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1960. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown College in Kentucky in 1964, a Master's Degree in secondary education from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1970, and a Sixth year Certificate in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University in 1986. He also was the recipient of two National Science Foundation grants.

In 1968, he married Helene DeBartolo. For five years, they lived in Norwich, and later spent 48 years in Mumford Cove in Groton.

They welcomed their first son, Brian, in 1972, and their second, David, in 1975. Over the years, many of their best family memories were made during all four seasons in the nearby woods and waters of Bluff Point and Haley Farms.

Doug was a teacher, a school administrator and a coach. He taught science at Kelly Junior High in Norwich from 1964 to 1967. With an opportunity to coach, he moved to Saint Bernard High School where he enjoyed teaching anatomy and physiology and biology from 1967 to 1985. He returned to teach part-time in 1996 until 2001, when Helene retired. Doug was a born teacher inspiring many young people to go on in life and become successful. He had high expectations for himself, as well as for his students. He insisted on students' best efforts and was always ready to help, but encouraged self-reliance.

From 1986 to 1995, he became part of the SBHS administration serving as the dean of students. It was a tough job at times, but one he truly loved. Mr. Sharples was remembered as being firm but fair. Outwardly stoic, but with a dry sense of humor, he had a soft heart and truly cared about his students and athletes.

Doug's high school coaching career spanned 40 years as the coach of Saint Bernard boys' cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track teams. He came out of retirement to coach East Lyme boys' cross country and led the 2004 team to the second runner-up position in the New England CC Championship. His teams won 537 victories in 40 years, 12 State Championships, 11 in cross country and one for indoor track, as well as three State Open titles. Two of his teams and seven individual athletes earned All-American distinction. Doug served in leadership roles on numerous sports committees on both the state and national levels for many years. As a reward for his highly successful coaching career and contributions to his sports, Doug was honored by being named Coach of the Year in 1986. by the National High School Athletic Coaches' Association, was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches' Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Saint Bernard Hall of Fame in 2006. He believed it was a privilege to coach such "fine young men" dedicated to the necessary hard training to attain their personal goals as well as the team's. Not only a motivating coach, he was also a mentor of life lessons to his athletes. He inspired a number of his runners to go on to be coaches themselves. He remained close to many former athletes and enjoyed the annual reunion with them as recently as early October.

Following the stock market, fly fishing, RV camping, hiking, cheering on the UConn basketball teams, and most sports, were some of Doug's favorite things. The Sharples made numerous trips to the Maine coast and lakes, Canada, and an annual summer visit to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. After he retired, Doug and Helene enjoyed traveling to one of their special places, Sanibel Island.

Doug leaves behind his wife of 56 years; his sons, Brian (Jenn) of Glastonbury, and David (Laura) of Richmond, Calif.; his sister Amy Sharples of Groton Long Point; several grandchildren; as well as a long list of treasured extended family and friends who loved him. He will be profoundly missed but remains present in our memories.

At Doug's request, burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to Saint Bernard School ATTN: Douglas Sharples Memorial Scholarship or To give online, visit: http://www.saintbernardschool.org and click DONATE.