Philip M. Sharkey

Philip Sharkey, a devoted family man and beloved husband, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. Philip was married to his loving wife, Karen, for 35 wonderful years. He was also a proud stepfather to Jeff Cayo, who brought him great joy.

Phil served his country with honor, spending four years in the Air Force. His passion for community involvement was evident through his work with the Northern Student Movement, where he was a dedicated member and treasurer of the Detroit chapter. His commitment to the arts and his community extended to Los Angeles, where he served as the treasurer for two theater companies, and to Lansing, where he was the treasurer of the Jewish Federation for two years. Most recently, he was a member of Temple Beth El in Springfield, Massachusetts.

True to the Sharkey family spirit, Philip embraced life with zany humor and boundless creativity. He ran a successful CPA practice for 30 years, but his talents extended far beyond the world of numbers. With his clever poems, he turned every occasion into a lark. Phil was a stand-up comic in Los Angeles, a semi-serious composer of music, a piano player, and a fantastic creator of rap songs for every occasion. His humor and creativity brought light to every gathering, making our lives so much brighter.

As the family poet and songwriter, Phil had a unique ability to see the world from a different perspective. He embraced being non-normative, using his special point of view to infuse every situation with his distinct humor and poetic license. Phil’s legacy of laughter, music, and love will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Phil is survived by his brother Joel Sharkey (Arlene), his sister Hannah Meyerson (Ron), and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The funeral for Phil will be 12:00p.m., Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Lansing, MI. To view the livestream of the funeral, click this link livestream

Donations in his memory can be made to the MSU Jazz Program or Renewal, a Jewish organization that helps patients and their families navigate the complex process of kidney transplant, from finding a donor to arranging the transplant and beyond. https://www.renewal.org/donate.