Obituary: William Joseph Sharkey

December 26, 1974 – August 15, 2025 

September 25, 2025

William Joseph Sharkey, 1974-2025

William Joseph “Sharknizzle,” “sharknuts” Sharkey passed away suddenly in his sleep on August 15, in Waterbury, Vermont.  He was born on December 26, 1974, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

Sharkey’s life was met with significant challenges when he was younger; regardless of the circumstances that were presented to him, he would meet them with a smile. Sharkey graduated from De La Salle in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, with the unwavering support of many close friends and family. After he graduated, he devoted his time to serving his country in the U.S. Marines, Navy, and Army. He was not left unchanged by these experiences, both good and bad. He struggled on occasion to readjust to civilian life and fatherhood, though he worked hard through the years to reconnect with the important people in his life and settled down in the peaceful mountains of Vermont with his oldest daughter. 

Overall, Sharkey strived and succeeded at living his life to positively impact the world. His heart of gold brought a ray of sunshine to every person he met. He lived big and loved bigger. 

Sharkey will be remembered by his parents Linda and John Kelly; father William Sysol; his children Milagro Kirpan of Vermont, Emma and Kyra Sharkey of Virginia; siblings, countless cousins, fellow service members, and all the friends he made along the way. 

A burial service will be held on Oct. 17 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, Vermont, at 1p.m. All are welcome to attend.