Thomas Paul "Shark" Sharkins, a lifelong resident of Wheatland, passed away on October 18, 2024, at his home, after continuous health issues stemming from a serious case of COVID-19 he contracted several years prior. He was 69.

Tom was born June 22, 1955, in Sharon, a son of the late Anthony and Alice Sharkins, and graduated from Farrell High School in 1973.

He was first employed by the former Sharon Transformer Div. of the Westinghouse Electric Corp. and later worked at Sharon Regional Hospital for 20 years, primarily in the Purchasing Dept. He then worked at Ellwood Crankshaft and Machine Co.

An avid basketball player, Tom played in several leagues at the Buhl Club in Sharon and competed in many regional Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournaments. A diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he also closely followed the Pirates and Pitt University Basketball.

Shark always liked to "Dress to Impress," and took great pride in driving a shiny clean car. He always had the latest men's cologne on hand which he would spray on his pals with great enthusiasm before heading out for a night on the town.

Tom attended Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, and was the proud Godfather of Matthew O'Dell.

Shark was well-known for his great sense of humor and always enjoyed joking around – he had the rare gift of being able to dish it AND take it.

He truly loved living life and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside celebration of Tom's life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday (2/7/25) at Oakwood Cemetery, 600 N. Oakland Avenue, Sharon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Buhl Community Recreation Center, 28 Pine St., Sharon, PA 16146.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.