Thomas Michael Sharkey

Sept. 20, 1954 – Nov. 2, 2021

Thomas Michael Sharkey passed away on November 2, 2021. All Souls’ Day, surrounded by his brothers and wife of 31 years, Geraldine Sharkey. Tom was born September 20, 1954 in Oceanside, California to Eugene & Rose Mary (Anderson) Sharkey while his father served in the Marines at Camp Pendleton.

Tom graduated from Mosinee High School, where he was named to the high school hall of fame for hockey, football, track and pole vaulting. Tom married his first wife, Peggy (Greenwood) Anderson after high school. Tom began to learn his carpentry skills working with his father & family. He took his building experiences and joined the Carpenters Union in central Wisconsin.

Tom later moved to Aniak to build the district office for the Kuspuk School District. There he met the love of his life, Geraldine, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage. Tom was owner of Sharkey General Contractors building residential and commercial projects throughout his career.

Tom was Construction Superintendent [project manager] for the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation where he oversaw construction of the first Subregional Clinics in Aniak, Toksook Bay, St. Mary’s, Emmonak, and Hooper Bay in addition to many other clinic & hospital upgrades. Tom was known as the go to guy in the state who built facilities that matched the needs of the communities. Tom prioritized hiring local crews who took pride in their work and facilities for years to come. Many of the people hired and trained by Tom now have their own construction careers.

Tom loved the outdoors, enjoyed camping and was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. Tom shared trapping tips with young people, and taught his grandsons how to trap, fish and hunt.

He built a beautiful cabin on the Kuskokwim River above Napaimute for Geraldine, where they spent as much time as they could.

Tom courageously fought a 13 year battle with renal cell cancer. He faced cancer, much like everything in life; with courage, determination and good humor. Tom passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and brothers.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rose Mary Sharkey; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnny and Marie McKindy. Tom is survived by his wife of 31 years, Geraldine (McKindy) Sharkey, his daughters Rebecca (Michael) Long, Leah (Luke Fronczak) Sharkey and Jessica (Crim) Phillips; grandchildren Madelin, Lauren, Callie, Gavin, Kayden, Christopher, Tori (Patrick Morgan), Aiden, Logan, Crim, and Thomas Jay; brothers Michael (Trish), Rick (Debbie Elliott), Timothy (Jodie), Jeffrey (Carrie), and Kirk (Tina Gagas Pozorski) Sharkey. Along with a countless number of nieces, nephews, cousins, Aunts, and Uncles.

Our family thanks the many family and friends too numerous to mention, who were there for Tom during his long battle with cancer. We also extend our appreciation to Dr. Jeremy Gitomer and Dr. Shannon Smiley, who showed Tom and Geraldine care as both doctors and as friends. A celebration of his life will be held in the summer of 2022 when it is safe to gather.