Obituary of John Edward Sharbaugh

John (Jack) E. Sharbaugh, age 89, died Friday, November 15, 2019 at his home in Acme, PA. 

He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Evelyn (Orlow) Sharbaugh; daughters Patricia Berman, Loretta (Michael) Zetwo, Cecilia (Gerard) Solan, Paula (William) Aldom, and sons Michael (Kasia), Edward (Gina), John (Patricia), David (Eileen) and Douglas (Pamela).  He was richly blessed with 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.   

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he graduated from Central Catholic H.S. (1948) and acquired a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Tech (Mellon) (1952).  He worked a year at Mesta Machine Co. before being called to active duty as an officer in the US Army.  After his discharge in 1955, he started work at Westinghouse as a mechanical engineer assigned to design the first ever commercial nuclear reactor.  From being a pioneer in commercial nuclear power he progressed to design advanced liquid-metal-cooled reactors for power and space applications when he retired in 1989.  He was awarded over 15 foreign and domestic patents and was a registered Professional Engineer and life-time member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

All through his adult life he was involved in volunteer service to church and community.  He was active in the Bear Rocks Community Club having served as President for 3 years, formed the Bear Rocks Community Association, and published a community newsletter.  While employed at Westinghouse, Waltz Mills site, he helped establish a credit union where he served in various positions of management.  He volunteered at the Greensburg Art Club serving as Treasurer, and then, while serving as President, he directed the design and construction of the Rowe Gallery addition to the Alex Fletcher Memorial Art Center.  Jack was an active parishioner at St.  Raymond of the Mountains church, working as a member of the Finance Committee, Eucharistic Minister, Cantor, Lector, and was Engineer of Record for the design and modification of an education and social facility addition to the church. He served as principal in modification and construction of a Habitat for Humanity home.  He volunteered for 10 years as an IRS tax preparer helping the elderly file their taxes.     

Music has always been a part of Jack’s life.  He played the clarinet in high school.  His vocal and instrumental talents and love of music led to Jack’s involvement in various bands, singing with the Irwin Male chorus, and involvement in many musical productions including amateur shows at Bear Rocks Community in the 1970’s and 80’s.  He was an avid bridge player and spent literally years making museum-quality model ships. His children remember him as one whom they have never seen upset, angry, or impatient.  He would say, “Those emotions show no practical purpose.”

For all that he did in his professional and community life, he said greatest accomplishment was the family (of 71) he started and grew with his beloved wife of 66 years.

Family and Friends will be received Sunday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle Street, Mt. Pleasant, PA  15666.  A blessing service will be held in the funeral home Monday at 10:00 a.m. followed by Jack’s Funeral Mass at St. Raymond of the Mountains Roman Catholic Church at 11:00a.m. 170 School House Lane, Donegal, PA 15628.  Interment with military honors accorded by the V.F.W. Post #6743 will be in St. Raymond Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Conn Area Catholic School, 613 E. Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, PA 15425; or, www.connareacatholic.org.  To offer an online condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com