Charles David “Red” Sharpe, Sr., 81, of Ellington passed away Monday, December 19, 2016. He was born February 18, 1935 in Meriden, CT, the son of the late Frederick “Fred” Sharpe and Anne Marie (Rasmussen) Sharpe. He served in U.S. Army from 1954 until he was honorably discharged in 1956. He married Ella May Jordan August 28, 1956 in Millerton, New York.
He was an apprentice plumber until he became a contractual lineman in 1957. He had found his calling and became affectionately nicknamed as “the Beast from the East”, which is only fitting because he nicknamed every one of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was a charter member of the I.B.E.W Local 42. He was very much loved and respected by his friends and coworkers. He will be greatly missed not only as a man but for his witty sense of humor.
He traveled a great deal with his work so was known even in States he never traveled.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Charles Sharpe Jr. and his wife Kristine of Franklin,TN. and their children, Charles III, Anne Marie and David. Wendy Sharpe Young and her husband Raymond of Stafford Springs and their child Leila, Wendy's children Stephen (deceased) Sabrina, Christopher and Diana. Frederick Joseph Sharpe and his wife Gloria of Vernon and their children, Fred Jr., Michael, Danny and Marissa, and Jennifer Ann Sharpe and her husband Jerry Auck of Ellington and their child Annalee May, Jennifer's children Nathan, Sydney, Jason, Misty and his great, great niece Murphy. His 21 great grandchildren who were fortunate to share many great years their Papa. He leaves behind one younger sister, Carol; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Audrey, Leila and Earl.
As Red would want it a gathering of friends and family will be held at the British, American Hall, 73 Maple Street, Manchester, Ct. on January 7, 2017 from 2 PM til close.
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