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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

William H. Sharp, Jr.

William H. Sharp, Jr (Sharpy) age 89 of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends on May 28, 2026 at the ICU of Wilmington Hospital.  He was born in Trenton, NJ to William H. Sharp and Lucille Sharp.  He graduated from the Lawrenceville (NJ) School in 1955 and from Bucknell University in 1959 where he earned a degree in Commerce & Finance. At Bucknell he played varsity soccer (goalie), was in ROTC, and was a member of SAE fraternity.  After graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant, he attended artillery school at Fort Sill, OK and was assigned to the U.S. Army Training Center, Fort Knox, KY.  There he served as Company Commander and Battalion Executive Officer in a Basic Combat Training Regiment.  Processing-out day occurred on Kentucky Derby Day in 1962.  What a way to celebrate such meaningful years!

Sharpy’s 32-year career with DuPont began in July 1962.   His first job was shift supervisor in Fibers manufacturing in Richmond, VA.  He then transferred to Purchasing in Wilmington, DE in 1964 and subsequently served at various plant and regional sites, finishing at the Experimental Station.

In August 1962 he married Ann Hardy, a Bucknell classmate.  His love of Ann and their family was the central focus of his life.  He thoroughly enjoyed celebrating holidays, eating out at restaurants, attending sporting events, and just relaxing together.  Sharpy’s activities during and after his career included 20 years of coaching and administrating in the North Brandywine Baseball League, 20 years as a reader and site coordinator for Read Aloud Delaware, serving on various boards and assisting in many capacities at Second Baptist/Silverside Church, chairing the Edgewood Hills Homeowner’s Association, working out regularly at the JCC, keeping a pristine yard, and attending sporting events which included several hundred Eagles tailgate parties.  Regarding the latter, he held Eagles season tickets for 46 years, had game plans for the Phillies and Flyers, and saw many other pro and college sporting events across the country.  In 1953 he began putting these game tickets in scrap books and entering the scores, attendance, and major game occurrences.  His scrap books contain almost 4000 ticket stubs.

Sharpy was pre-deceased by his wife Ann and is survived by his son Bill (Carrie), daughter Kay (Brett Brooks), three beloved grandchildren, Kirsten (Cassidy), Julia (fiancé Cole), Evan (fiancé Cali), and sister Bonnie.

Funeral Services

A memorial service will be held at 1PM on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Silverside Church, 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE, 19810.  Per Sharpy’s request, all are encouraged to wear bright colors and/or Philadelphia sports gear.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Sharpy’s memory to the Ann H. and William H. Sharp Scholarship, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837; the Nature Conservancy, 4245 Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203; or a charity of your choice.  To share a memory with the family, please visit www.chandlerfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

    John O'Connor writes,
    Kay and Bill, deepest condolences on the passing of your dad, my fondest memories and deepest appreciation will remain.
    06/08/2026 10:34 pm
    Suzette Macauley writes,
    I’m so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing! Bill was an amazing person! He was such a kind person! He was my mentor in the Purchasing Department at DuPont Pharmaceutical. He taught me so much. One time he invited the DuPont Pharma purchasing folks at Experimental Station to Ann and his house for lunch. He showed us his room with all the Eagles items. He was a dedicated fan! After he retired we would meet once a year for lunch. He was always very interested in what a person was doing in their life. I will miss our lunch get together!
    06/09/2026 08:09 pm
    Richard P. Perlman writes,
    Met Bill at Bucknell in 1955. We shared some common interests. Both born in Trenton, both prep schoolers, he Lawrenceville, me, Peddie, and both fans of Phila. sports teams. We, together with our wives, would correspond periodically. Anne and Bill's news was always interesting, something to look forward to. I last saw Bill about 2 years ago when he paid a visit to Lawrenceville School. May he rest in peace.
    06/10/2026 03:46 pm
    Megan B Jacobs lit a candle and writes,
    There really are no adequate words for this legend of a man, so we don't even know where to begin. Sharpy was the very definition of welcome, of laughter, and of kindness. There are traditions that were so authentically his, we will gratefully take them to our graves: How to embrace life! How to love your family! How to cheer on the Birds! How to Tailgate to Perfection! How to hug the beautiful stuffing out of your dear ones at every opportunity! How to be the most decent, humble, lovely human imaginable. Endless condolences to Bill, Carrie, Kirsten, Jules, Evan, Kay and Brett. You guys won the lottery when you were born into this magnificent inner family circle. We love you all to pieces -- Sending all our sympathy and prayers -- Chris, Megan, Brent and Aidan.
    06/10/2026 10:46 pm
    Debbie and Joe writes,
    It was a true honor to have known Sharpy. He was a great man of kindness, sincerity and pure joy. Be at peace and know you are cherished.
    06/14/2026 08:24 am
    Derek Harper writes,
    I only knew Bill Sharp as my dad's friend and an, uh, *exuberant* Eagles fan, so I've really enjoyed reading the comments and learning more about this great man. He clearly made an impact on everyone around him. I enjoyed every game we went to, in part because your dad's hospitality was so broad, memorable, and welcoming. I am truly sorry for your loss of your father, but more broadly we are all diminished by not having such an engaging and incandescent personality in our lives any more.
    06/15/2026 01:59 pm
    Behringer Alan writes,
    Our deepest condolences to the family on Sharpy’s passing. We’ll miss seeing him at the Sharps’ Christmas Open House (ah, those bright green and red corduroy pants!!). His was a life well lived in every respect.
    07/02/2026 02:20 pm

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