It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel “Big Dan”, “Danny” J. Sharpe Sr., at the age of 64. Dan passed peacefully in the early morning hours of November 12, 2024 at his home. Dan was born on September 21, 1960 in Norwich, NY, a son of the late Edwin W. Sharpe III and Chloe (Curry) Sharpe. He would always remark how he was born on the last day of summer and that he was born the year the Buffalo Bills were founded.
Dan spent the majority of his childhood in the Norwich/Otselic area, finishing school in Norwich. At the age of 23, Dan married the love of his life, Jean Watrous, whom he spent the next 40+ years with. Together they raised three children. Dan was first and foremost a family man, who loved his kids, grandkids and extended family more than life itself. He loved having big family dinners, with everyone together and he especially loved the Family “Huddle Hugs”, because they were able to hug each other all at one time. He was a large man in stature and a very large presence in his family and friends’ lives. Grandpa loved telling his grandkids stories and made them so interesting that the kids hung on his every word. He liked to give each grandchild special “treasures” that came with the story. Those trinkets are treasures that they now have to cherish and pass on to their children one day.
Dan was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and was able to make it to a few of their home games, no matter what the weather brought, Dan loved the experience. Dan also loved hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He was known to say out of the blue, “let’s go camping this weekend” so he and Jean would just randomly go wherever, pitch the tent and spend the weekend in the woods.
His most recent travels took him to Niagara Falls, where he was able to finally complete a “bucket list” item of riding the “Maid of the Mist.” His other favorite travel destination was the beach. His favorite was Daytona Beach. Dan and Jean spent the majority of their last 15+ March wedding anniversaries on Florida’s East coast.
Dan had a huge appreciation for music, especially live music, attending as many live concerts as he was able. He loved to share his vast knowledge of music with anyone that was interested. He was a classic “name that tune” guy. In recent years, he and “Alexa” spent many hours together in his man cave, browsing through thousands of songs that Dan would sing along with to the top of his lungs.
Dan worked hard and played hard. His last job was driving truck for CDD Custom Millwork up until the time of his heart attack when he was only 47. It was extremely hard for him to be disabled, but he was still able to be there to teach, guide and support his children as they passed into adulthood. We never know how much time we will be given on this earth, but Dan never took each day for granted and lived his life as fully as possible. Dan touched many lives and made many, many friends that all agree, “Big Dan always had a smile on his face”, no matter the pain he might have been experiencing at that time.
Dan is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jean M. Sharpe; sons, Daniel J. Sharpe, Jr. and Ryan (Ingrid) Sharpe of Norwich; daughter, Adrienne M. Sharpe of Liverpool, NY; and grandchildren, Olivia Schiraldi, Leo Sharpe, Victoria Sharpe and Brock Sharpe. Along with his biological children, Dan is also survived by a young man that was like a son, John Hunt. They had a special relationship that meant the world to Dan.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Dan is also survived by his siblings, Marion (Jim) Taranto, Carol Maiurano, and John Sharpe; brother-in-law, Gary Osborne; sister-in-law, Ellen Loughren and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother, Edwin Sharpe lll; sister, Connie Osborne; brother-in-laws, Francis “Pep” Maiurano, Jerry Loughren, Randall Waters, and Mark Waters; sister-in-laws, Pam Corbin and Sharon Cavness; as well as several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Sonic Garden, 90 Borden Avenue, Norwich, NY. Memorial contributions in Dan’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or a local charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with John Antonowicz of the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.