"Dear Helen, Although we haven't seen you all for awhile, I want you to know we are thinking about you and are available if we can help in any way as you work your way through your Navy benefits or any other issues."
In loving memory of
Joseph Sharkey
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Joseph E. Sharkey, 89, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away November 10, 2009 at the Douglas T Jacobson State Veterans Nursing Home. He was born October 30, 1920 in Brooklyn, NY to Ida and Joseph Sharkey Sr. Joseph attended St John's Prep in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from St John University. He married Helen Rush, January of 1944. Joseph attained the rank of Captain in the US Navy. He enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned in 1942, acquired his wings in 1943. He then served in WWII as a Navy pilot in the Pacific until the end of the war. He was stationed at Floyd Bennett Field, NY and reactivated during the Korean Conflict for two years. Returning to Floyd Bennett Field as a Reservist, he served as Commanding Officer and later retired in 1980. Joseph lived with his family in Roslyn, Long Island, NY. He was President of Dipple, Vogler and Sharkey, Inc, Madison Avenue, NYC. He retired to Punta Gorda and has lived here for 25 years. Joseph was a charter member of the Isles Yacht Club and was a member of the Burnt Store Golf Club, now known as Twin Isles, an active member of MOAA, Kiwanis Club, the Elks Lodge and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Sharkey; three children, Joseph E. Susan Upton Sharkey, III; James Brian Margaret Driscoll Sharkey; Christine Ronald Laurita. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Adria, Ronald Michelle Martinson, Ali Eric Goldwater, Micheal, Ryan, Kerri Ann; great grandchildren, Olivia, Justin, Hannah, Luke, Layton and Jackson.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, November 20, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda. Inurnment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in the summer of 2010. The family requests donations to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 or to the Douglas T Jacobson State Veterans Home, Residents Fund, 21281 Grayton Terrace, Pt Charlotte, FL 33954.
Tributes
"Dear Helen & family, I am so sorry to hear about Joe he was a great man. He was my Snicker buddy. Helen I love you so much. Love Evelyn John Sanders"
"Dear Helen, My sympathy goes out to you. Hope and pray your healing process is underway. I found Grief Share to be very helpful for me in the passing of my mother, Ruth Phillips. Phil. 1 21-23. God Bless you, Barbara Lemoi"