N.C. – Mr. Sharpe, 73, of Matthews, N.C., and formerly of Naples, Fla., and Hampden, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Sunday Dec. 25, 2011, at Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte, N.C., after a brief illness. Rod was born Aug. 8, 1938, in Bangor, son of the late Philip and Evelyn Sharpe.
He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, Fairfield, and Thomas College, Waterville. He was employed by Beacon Motor Co. for many years before opening his own dealership, which he ran until he retired. He was known for treating each customer as a dear friend and his commitment to customer service was second to none. Rod was a longtime member of the Jaycees, Shriners and Masons. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 46 years, Jean, and his family meant everything to him. He found the good in all and was able to strike up a conversation with anyone, always leaving them happier than when he had found them.
Rod is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Vose) Sharpe; three sons and one daughter, Greg Sharpe and wife, Karen, of Matthews, N.C., Doug Sharpe and wife, Cynthia, of Naples, Fla., Jason Sharpe and wife, Heidi, of Hampden and Amanda Moore and husband, Greg, of Matthews, N.C. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Moriah, Emily, Kennedy, Olivia, Gabe, Chloe and Jack, whom he cherished dearly. He was a loving mentor to Ainsley and Zoe Brown of Naples, Fla., who thought of him like a grandfather. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Prescott of Hershey, Pa.; cousin, Richard Magoon and wife, Patsy; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A celebration of Rod’s life will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex St., Bangor, with the Rev. Jeffrey S. Fister, D.M.D., ordained deacon, officiating. Interment will be afterward at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. For those who wish, gifts in Rod’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Burn Hospital, care of Anah Shrine Center, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402 or American Lung Association, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04431-5615. Condolences may be shared online at
www.caringbridge.org/visit/franksharpe.