Merle F. Sharp
Merle F. Sharp, 86, of Zelienople, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, with his family by his side.
Born Nov. 22, 1934, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John F. Sharp and Violet (Shoop) Sharp.
He graduated from McKeesport High School in 1952, and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, where he achieved the rank of aviation electronics technician first class, with GCA, (Ground Control Approach) unit. His unit was known to be the best on the Atlantic seaboard.After receiving his electrical engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh, he worked at Mesta Machine, Mellon Institute (Joy Manufacturing) in Oakland, HH Robertson in Harmony, and retired in 1999 after 26 years with Billco Manufacturing of Zelienople. He was always proud to tell you that he worked for Billco!He was a hard worker and always wanted the best for his family. He enjoyed being near the water and had a lifelong passion for Tionesta. He also enjoyed his semi-annual trips to Myrtle Beach.“Pap” was a Civil War buff, and shared a keen interest in history with his family. Woodworking was another hobby he enjoyed, gifting family and friends with amazing one-of-a kind treasures over the years. He wasn't often found without a camera, and left a photographic legacy in slide shows.He is survived by four daughters, Kim (Jim Bartos) Sharp of Zelienople, Dawn Aubel of West Middlesex, Tracy (Dean) Wack of Harmony and Susan Sharp of Zelienople; six grandchildren, Raven Sharp of Annapolis Md., Chelsea (Levi) McLaughlin of West Middlesex, Kori Aubel of Pittsburgh, Zarian Prenatt of Bethlehem, Pa., Ciara Pierce of Zelienople and Jordan Aubel of Boardman, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Addilynne and Greyson McLaughlin; his first wife and the mother of his children, LaVerne Sharp of Cranberry Township; his former son-in-law, Paul Aubel; several nieces and nephews; his stepchildren, Kathleen Chilleo, and Donald and Michael McCleary; his stepgrandson, James McCleary, and stepgreat-grandson, Aiden McCleary; and his special friends, Mary Dunbar, Dick Dunbar and Bill and Dianne Dunbar.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Rice McCleary Sharp; his stepson, Ron McCleary; his stepgrandson, John Chilleo; his sister, Patricia Sharp McCurry; his brother, David E. Sharp; and his special friend, Buck Dunbar.A special thank you to the folks at Carriage Manor in New Castle, for making his last year a special one. He never wanted to be late for a meal there!Also, a thank you to the staff at Jameson Hospital and Avalon Place in New Castle, who worked tirelessly to provide comfort and care and assistance through his transition.SHARP — Arrangements for Merle F. Sharp, who died Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, are under the direction of Boylan Funeral Home in Zelienople.A celebration of life will be held at a later date.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.
