Robert Joseph Sharkey was born to Roger Sharkey and Mary Glenn Sharkey on May 3, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. He passed from this life on July 19, 2023 in Prosper, Texas at the age of 80 years.

Robert grew up in Chicago, Illinois and was known by his friends and family as Bob. He earned a BS in Mathematics at Loyola University in Chicago. Shortly after that he met his wife of 53 years, Earlene Francis Thoel. They married on November 8, 1969. Bob had a long time career with IBM. IBM brought Bob, Earlene, and their 3 girls Linda, Janet, and Renee to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1984 where they raised their family. Throughout their time in Tulsa, Bob was heavily involved with St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. He volunteered for over 30 years including teaching religious education classes, serving on Parish Council, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob was a natural leader and teacher and spent time as an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College as well as being involved with Junior Achievement at the local middle schools.

Bob had many hobbies and interests and was a lifelong learner. He loved to cook and listen to music. He loved road trips and reading. To those who knew Bob, he was a man of many, many words. He loved to talk and was always sharing his wealth of knowledge to all who would listen. He had a great sense of humor and did not know a stranger. As much as he loved to talk, he was also a great listener. He was open minded, accepting, and compassionate. He was selfless when it came to taking care of his family. He loved unconditionally and was always available to those in need.

Bob is survived by his wife, Earlene Sharkey, of Prosper Texas. His daughters Linda Sharkey of France, Janet Villani, husband Chris, grandson Jonah, 9, of Prosper, TX, and Renee Jensen, husband Ryan, grandsons Ryder, 10, and Sawyer, 9, of Prosper, TX, as well as extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 1st, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Parish of Saint Bernards Catholic Church in Tulsa, OK. Reception Immediately following in Parish Gym. In lieu of flowers, suggested donations: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, The American Brain Foundation, or the Dementia Society of America