Gene Wareham

Gene C. (Windy) Wareham, 96, of Sharon passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on December 15, 2025.

He was the son of the late Clarence and Ruth (Crooks) Wareham.

A lifelong Sharon resident, he attended Lafayette Grade School and was a 1947 alumnus of Sharon High School.

He worked at Westinghouse for over 37 years, first as a coil winder in B-10 and then as a car loader until the plant's closing on December 24, 1984.

A devout Catholic, Gene was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, where he volunteered for Bingo nights and served as a money counter for many years. Windy was also a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1948. He was a member of the Buhl Club, the Westinghouse Retirees Association, and the North Sharon Volunteer Fire Company.

Windy’s favorite pastime was playing cards and games with friends and family, including Euchre at the old Knights of Columbus facility on East State Street and poker at the North Sharon Fire Hall. He was very good at both games, as anyone who played against him would attest.

He was an excellent “Duck Pin” bowler in the Buhl Club’s Old Industrial League and once bowled a 734 series.

Windy enjoyed playing golf with friends in the Old Mason League and once had a hole-in-one on Tam O’Shanter’s famous 14th hole - Death Valley.

He was one of the founding members of the North Sharon American Little League Association, where he volunteered as an umpire, coach, and president for over 12 years.

An avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, he especially enjoyed the NFL season - maintaining detailed statistics on each team to help him pick the “winners” on the weekly Inn 62 football pool. He also loved watching PGA golf and enjoyed running the family pool with his sons and grandson.

He married the love of his life, the late Barbara A. (Voyten) Wareham, on May 20, 1950, and was a devoted husband until her passing on May 14, 2023. They enjoyed 73 wonderful years together building a beautiful life and family - always saving time for a dance together.

Surviving are two sons, Robert L. Wareham (Wanda), Painesville, OH, and David M. Wareham (Mary Kay), New Wilmington, PA; a daughter; Patricia J. Dodd (William), Sharon, PA; five grandchildren, Mitchell L. Wareham, Cameran N. Manna (Arindra), Jake J. Dodd, David E. Wareham and Marina M. Wareham; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard “Dick” Wareham and John “Jack” Wareham.

He will be remembered as a man of honor and principle who loved his family more than anything, even life itself. He especially loved watching his grandchildren participate in recitals, plays, school activities, and sporting events. His favorite times of year were family gatherings, especially Christmas and the annual family picnic at “The Lot,” where he served as master of ceremonies and delighted everyone by creating silly, competitive games that were as hilarious as they were fun.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the loving care he received from Gentiva Hospice and the nurses and staff at Sharon Regional Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Joseph’s Church, 79 Case Ave, Sharon, PA 16146; or the F.H. Buhl Club, 28 Pine Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday (12-23-25) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon on Tuesday (12-23-25) in St. Rose Cemetery Chapel, 779 Dutch Lane, Hermitage, with Rev. James Power, as celebrant.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.