Thomas Edwin Sharkey, age 80, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at home.

He was born on June 8, 1946, to Edwin and Florence Sharkey. After growing up in Plainfield, NJ, Tom joined the Special Forces. After serving his country, he became a member of the Scotch Plains police force. His public service continued as a paramedic with the Bridgewater Rescue Squad. Later he became Captain of the Bridgewater Fire Department in New Jersey.

In 1990, he moved to Bayonne, NJ, and began working on the ferry “Little Lady” where he worked his way from deckhand to Captain of the ship moored at Liberty Landing in Jersey City. In the mid 2000’s Tom became Captain of the dinner cruise ship “Cornucopia Princess” anchored in Perth Amboy, NJ.

In 2012 Tom married his wife Elaine and moved to Anderson, SC two years later. They lived in Anderson on Lake Hartwell until his death.

Tom is survived by his wife of 14 years, Elaine; his daughter Dawn Sharkey who currently serves as the Captain of his old boat “Cornucopia Princess”; and his son, David Sharkey.

A service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home with Mr. Michael Rippy as celebrant. 

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM