George J. Sharkey

George J. Sharkey – of Salem, NH, formerly of Woburn and Naples, Florida died peacefully, July 27^th at the age of ninety-two. Devoted husband of 71 years to Ruth (Carlin) Sharkey. Beloved father of Janice Sharkey, her fiancé Andy Bourque of Kingston, NH, Sandra Kirby, her husband Mark of North Reading, and the late Susan Hartley. Proud grandfather of Christopher Kirby, his wife Madeline, Shaylin Lawrence, her husband Jason, Michael Kirby, Justin Hartley, Kristen Hartley and the late Crystal and TJ Sheehan. Adoring great-grandfather of five. Brother of the late Walter Sharkey. His Funeral Mass will be Celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main Street, Woburn on Thursday, August 4^th, at 10:30 a.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours, Wednesday August 3rd from 4-7 p.m.  in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family. Remembrances may be made in honor of George, to the charity of one’s choice.

George J. Sharkey, passed away at the High Point Hospice House in Haverhill, Wednesday, July 27^th, 2022. The devoted husband of Ruth (Carlin) Sharkey, for over seventy-one years, was ninety-two years of age.

Born in Cambridge, George was the son of the late Walter and Hazel (Lane) Sharkey. He was the very proud brother of Walter Sharkey Jr.  Raised in Somerville he was a graduate of Somerville High School along with the Class of 1948.  

Following high school George enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving our country during the Korean War.  He entered in June of 1948 and was honorably discharged in June of 1952.

It was in June of 1951 that he married his long-time sweetheart, Ruth Carlin.  Shortly thereafter George and Ruth moved to Woburn where they made their home for fifty seven years and raised their beautiful family.

On the GI bill, George continued on with his education at Lowell Technical Institute, where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Over the years he worked for Raytheon, Sylvania, Teledyne and Polaroid from which he retired.  

In their early sixties, George and Ruth became snowbirds, making their winter home at Royal Woods in Naples, Florida for nearly thirty years. They thoroughly enjoyed their Florida community.

Throughout the years, George remained very active. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing horseshoes and cards and belonged to bocce and bowling leagues. George had many hobbies including playing guitar and keyboard, reading, and enjoying nature. He and Ruth loved dancing, whether it was in the living room or at their ballroom and square-dancing clubs. He always looked forward to spending him with his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

George was blessed with good health and appreciated every day of it all.  Ruth, being the absolute love of his life and biggest cheerleader, shared in everything he did.  From watching tv, taking walks, trips to the store or church, always together, hand in hand!

A wonderful, old fashioned gentleman, always happy, lovingly devoted to his family, he was a man of great faith. George lived and believed whole heartedly in the Golden Rule.  A man of great integrity, kindnesses, and love will sadly be missed by all who have had the special pleasure, of sharing in his life.

Devoted husband of 71 years to Ruth (Carlin) Sharkey. Beloved father of Janice Sharkey, her fiancé Andy Bourque of Kingston, NH, Sandra Kirby, her husband Mark of North Reading, and the late Susan Hartley. Proud grandfather of Christopher Kirby, his wife Madeline, Shaylin Lawrence, her husband Jason, Michael Kirby, Justin Hartley, Kristen Hartley and the late Crystal and TJ Sheehan. Adoring great-grandfather of five. Brother of the late Walter Sharkey.

His Funeral Mass will be Celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main Street, Woburn on Thursday, August 4^th, at 10:30 a.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours, Wednesday August 3rd from 4-7 p.m.  in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family. Remembrances may be made in honor of George, to the charity of one’s choice.

His Funeral Mass will be Celebrated in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main Street, Woburn on Thursday, August 4^th, at 10:30 a.m.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours, Wednesday August 3rd from 4-7 p.m.  in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn.  Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.