ALVIN RAY SHARP

Alvin served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. Those who knew Alvin well may remember that he worked many jobs over the years, but most would remember him for the many years he owned the Standard Oil/Amoco Jobber ship in Alpena. Later, in life he operated a branch of Farm Bureau Insurance in Harrisville. He most enjoyed operating his own lawn care service as his way of staying busy in retirement. He continued with this until his Parkinson’s disease made it impossible.

Alvin was a very social person and never missed an opportunity to make friends. He was active with the Shriner’s and Booster’s Club. During his time in the Shrine, he participated in the local clown troop, appearing in parades and events. He was most proud of his time driving children and their families to the Shrine hospitals in Chicago and Cleveland for treatment. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, even making several trips out west to hunt mule, deer, and elk. Alvin was a member of The Alpena Country Club where he enjoyed participating in the Polish American Golf Tournament and golfing for many years with friends and family.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Alice Sharp, siblings Ruth Simmons, Ralph (Jean) Sharp, Irvin Sharp, Melba Sharp, Mary Bahrke, Erma (Otto) Wagner, Joyce (Sam) King, Richard Sharp, Donna Werner, Phyllis (Duane) Carpenter, niece Marilyn (Simmons) Peacock who was raised by Arthur and Alice, and his first wife June (Pelleran) Sharp.

Alvin is survived by wife Dianne Sharp, children Amy Sharp, Stuart (Erin) Sharp, blended children, Curtis (Su) Pleiness, Pam (Chuck) Schaudt, Charleen Pleiness, and Brian (Candice) Pleiness, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law, Ron Werner and Dorothy Sharp, numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Jerry Gonyea.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Ossineke, Michigan from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial mass at 12 p.m. with Fr. John Williams as celebrant. Inurnment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at 12 p.m. with military honors accorded by VFW Post 2496 and the U.S. Army. In Alvin’s memory, donations may be given to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Hospice of Michigan, or the Alpena Area Parkinson’s Support Group. McWilliams Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.