Tributes paid after death of popular Roscommon figure in US
The late Alfie Sharkey.
Tributes are being been paid following the passing of popular Tibohine native Alfred “Alfie” Sharkey, at the age of 90 in the United States.
Alfie, who passed away peacefully on March 24th, was deeply proud of his Roscommon heritage and was a regular visitor to the county.
Born in Teevnacreevna, Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, Ireland, Alfie was the son of the late Thomas and Ellen (née Cawley) Sharkey.
He immigrated to the United States in 1956 and proudly served in the U.S. Army, before being honourably discharged in 1957. Not long after arriving, he re-established contact with the love of his life, Helena (née Sharkey), whom he had first met at a dance back in Ireland. Fittingly, Helena was also from his home parish of Tibohine, and fate brought them back together. Helena and Alfie were married on June 6, 1959, at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Orange, and raised their family in West Orange, New Jersey, where they still reside in the same home on Moore Terrace.
Alfie began his career at New Jersey Bell telephone company and, through dedication and perseverance, rose to a management role overseeing the maintenance of 540 Broad Street and One Washington Park in Newark. He retired after 34 years of loyal service - remarkably, without ever taking a single sick day. But he did not sit idle as that was never in his nature. After retiring, he continued to work at the Essex County Board of Elections and also spent many years working in the Funds Office at Local 68.
He was also a great handyman in his own right, known for his ability to fix or build just about anything. He completed countless home improvement projects over the years, including building his own backyard deck, where he loved to relax and take pride in watching his delicious Jersey tomatoes grow every summer.
He was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange, where he faithfully took up the collection at the 9.30 a.m. Mass every Sunday for more than 40 years. His faith was a guiding light throughout his life, and his quiet acts of service were a true reflection of his character.
Alfie was deeply proud of his Irish heritage and travelled often to Roscommon to visit family and friends and attend local festivals, especially the Castlerea International Rose Festival, of which he was a proud supporter. He made sure to bring his family , alongensuring they could connect with, appreciate, and understand where their roots came from. A passionate Gaelic footballer, Alfie played on the County Roscommon minor Gaelic football championship team in 1951, a memory he cherished deeply.
In America, he remained a lifelong fan of County Roscommon and proudly coached his sons at St. Brendan’s Football Club. He also served as a member of the New York GAA Minor Board, helping to promote and support youth Gaelic football in the Irish-American community. One of the proudest moments of his life was traveling to Dublin as an assistant coach of his sons’ New York GAA minor team, where they had the incredible honour of playing at the world-famous Croke Park.
In addition to his love for Gaelic games, Alfie was a devoted fan of the New York Giants and New York Rangers. He loved watching sports of all kinds, especially when it meant cheering on his own children and grandchildren. He rarely missed a game and took great pride in showing up on the sidelines, in the stands, or wherever he needed to be to support them.
He was active in Irish-American organisations throughout his life. Alfie was a past president of the County Roscommon Society, the Pioneers of America, the Giblin Association, and a past chairman and Grand Marshal of the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Cryan Association, Irish American Society of the Oranges, and St. Brendan’s Football Club.
He was the proud and loving father of Bob and his life partner Lisa, John and his wife Brenda, Tom and his wife Debbie, and Carol and her husband Michael. Nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by his family. His grandchildren, Ryan (wife Allie); Shane (wife Becca); Tommy, Michael (fiancée Karly); Ryan, Jack, Alyssa, and Jennifer (husband Brian); and great-grandchildren, Hawkins, Easton, and Caroline Lena, lit up his world every single day.
Alfie is predeceased by his brothers Martin and Tommy. He is survived by his loving sister Maureen, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. His legacy of strength, faith, humour, and unwavering dedication to his family and community will be carried forward in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
(The following information on Alfie’s life is based on an obituary which was published on www.tributearchive.com)
