Richard was always a delight to have dinner with. In many ways he was so gentle that it was hard to imagine him ever having been a boxer.His love of history and his desire to always learn more was so evident.He will never be forgotten.He and Joan made a wonderful couple.

Dear Joan.... I am so sad to learn of Richard's passing. It is so strange that I have been thinking of you two for the past several months and wanted so much to call but somehow misplaced your home number. Richard was one of the most decent human beings I ever knew. We worked together for years and he actually taught me how to play handball. The times I met you and Richard at the U.S. Open and when we played tennis together are some of my best memories. I loved hearing all the great stories of his military service and boxing days. I will never forget him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Steve Eross Salesian Missions.                                                  (stevee@salesianmissions.org)

What a wonderful celebration of my Uncle Richie's life this past Saturday. So many great memories were shared. I'd forgotten that I'd written my Uncle Richie a poem for his 80th birthday and to my utter delight he sent me a thank you written in similar rhyming verse! We also had a few things in common, we both attended St. John's University and although I did not follow St. John's basketball  much, I always made sure to find out what the team was up to before a visit with Uncle Richie! We shared similar career paths for a while, I worked in publishing and he worked in printing and so we had many conversations about the direct mail industry. But the things I will remember the most  about my favorite Uncle Richie are his 1000-watt smile, his laugh, his kindness and his keen wit. I take comfort in the fact that my dear father Bill Duffy and his brothers Pete, John,  and Bob and sister Pat were waiting to greet Uncle Richie upon arrival. I'm sure they are having quite a celebration while continuing to watch over and guide us on the path they followed to heavenly greatness and peace. 

Richard has been a member of the Cedar Crest garden club.He  had a hibed square and would grow tomatoes and lettuce. I have a square near by and so I frequently talked with Richard.We enjoyed talking about history.Sometimes his son would come over and help in his square.I will miss these pleasant conversations

May you rest in peace.  What a great life, and great family.  I so glad I was a part of it and continue to be.  Here is something I put together for this awesome couples 50th. 


Richard Sharp will be sadly missed by his many friends. Dinner with the Sharp's was always a joy, The depth of their feeling for each other was heartwarming.Richard was a man of integrity and bravery- coupled with a keen intelligence and wit.His varied interests and his love of family were always evident.The world is less without him.

Joan &  Ritchie were our next door neighbors from Heaven. In more than 20 years, we never had a cross word. Our gardens were connected and Ritchie competed with Grace ( Carol’s Mom) with bumper crops. I knew  your family was into sports, when I first saw the heavy bag and speed bag in your garage. He was friendly and outgoing and great role model as Dad. Most of all, he was a NY Jet fan, like me. We dearly loved him. Go Jets.


Uncle Ritchie was my Aunt Joan's husband. Our family grew up on the West Coast and dad, also in the Navy, traveled often to be with family on the East Coast. He also stayed in close touch with all of our relatives on the East Coast by phone. I'd hear stories throughout my childhood of Uncle Ritchie, Aunt Joan and all my East Coast relatives. That contact of family and extended family remained an important thread of meaning and core value for my father throughout his life. Thankfully, near the end of my dad's life I was blessed to travel with him to meet up with Uncle Ritchie, Aunt Joan and all my wonderful East Coast family. 

Uncle Ritchie loved to joke around and he was a 'light' in the room! The strength of his Spirit is evident through his bright shining smile throughout both happy times and obviously times where he had health challenges. 

That beaming smile and humor is something I will  always remember about Uncle Ritchie. It was so delightful  and hilarious to see the Irish banter between my dad, Uncle Ritchie and when the 'guys' of his generation got together!  Whenever family got together lighthearted merriment was sure to follow. Ritchie had so much positive presence to share with all of those who came in contact with him.

It is very lovely to see the pics of him so obviously in love with Aunt Joan and the long journey of love and life they've shared together for 65 years. Special prayers to Aunt Joan during this time of loss.
 Uncle Ritchie in many of these photos is  surrounded  with  family.  Family is most precious and worth more than gold!

So, in my Irish Way I will send this farewell song to Uncle Ritchie...a celebration song to this wonderful Uncle for the gift of his life to us all.
These are three different but all lovely versions of this song! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Np_Ud4KA08  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sql9X4H0VY     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eisW0skJ9fU

My mother's brother Richie was the best big brother a sister could have.   Before and after my father died, Richie always kept a protective eye on his sister, Gloria.   Even when roused from a sound sleep, Richie always showed up, braving lawn sprinklers, closed gatehouses, and Gloria's occasional shenanigans to make sure she was safe and sound.   

We will miss him. 

I had the privledge of knowing Richie for over 50 years. I was a young sales rep and Richie had many years of experience on me.We had lunch that day at a since closed "Irish" restaurant on 33rd st. in NYC.  My learning quickly came forward. in these first few hours i was brought up to date on- Far Rockaway, Aqueduct, a Irish girl named Joan, hand ball,the history of the Golden Gloves. All such information came out of his pocket secretary.It sure was a amazing document and contiued to be so for years to come. Richie was a true friend and someone i truely loved. His passing has taken away a Friend that a hope to be with again, hope he put it in the book !

OBITUARY

Richard A. Sharp

March 26, 1932 – November 26, 2021

Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home

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