Former supervisor Jack Sharpe remembered as strong leader
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Sharpe

John "Jack" Sharpe is remembered by many as a strong figure who served the Town of Amherst for 15 years as supervisor. He passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006 in Dade City, Fla., at the age of 80.

He would have turned 81 on Thursday, Dec. 7.

Mr. Sharpe was first elected to the position of supervisor in 1976 and was re-elected four times before retiring in 1990.

On Monday the Amherst Town Board unanimously passed a resolution to honor Mr. Sharpe through either the renaming of a street or building. Council Member Dan Ward said Mr. Sharpe was an outstanding political figure in Amherst and the longest standing supervisor in the history of the town.

"He was a true leader in the development and progress of the Town of Amherst while he served as supervisor," Ward said.

In 1996, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce held a tribute for Mr. Sharpe to celebrate his longstanding commitment to Amherst business and the community. The honor came after many firms honored at a Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year dinner credited Mr. Sharpe for their success. It was a rare occasion that the Chamber held a dinner to honor a single individual.

In an article announcing Mr. Sharpe's honor on Nov. 9, 1996, Colleen DiPirro, president of the Chamber, said, "Jack strived for and ultimately created an environment that was conducive to economic growth that funded a multitude of services for residents."

He was a member of Lac Pythnga Fish and Game Club in Quebec and Buffalo Canoe Club of Ridgeway, Ont.; a life member of VFW Post No. 264 in Amherst; a member of VFW Post 416 and George F. Lamm Post American Legion 622, and an honorary member of the Getzville Fire Company. Mr. Sharpe was also a past president of the Rotary Club of Williamsville.

During his years spent in Amherst, Mr. Sharpe was involved in many organizations. He served on the Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital's Operating Board and the Erie County Industrial Development Agency's Board of Directors. He was a liaison to the Amherst Industrial Development Agency and was heavily involved with the Amherst Museum.

In 1984-85 he was honored by United Cerebral Palsy with the Volunteer Award for his work in raising $10,000; in 1984 he was given the Distinguished Service Award from the Amherst Senior Center; and in 1987 he was recognized with the V.I.P Award for Service to the Community from the Amherst Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Sharpe served as a member of the 28th Infantry Division and the 2nd Infantry Division from June 1944 until May 1946. He was a radio observer of Mortar Platoon, serving in Germany, France and Belgium. Mr. Sharpe was the recipient of three battle stars, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix de Guerre unit citation and the Bronze Star. When he left the service he had achieved the rank of corporal.

Prior to being elected to supervisor, Mr. Sharpe was vice president and general manager of Hussler Helicopter Corp. He also held several positions at WEBR radio and in 1959 inaugurated the WEBR Trafficopter. He was also named investigative reporter and news director during his tenure at the station.

"He was a man of great integrity, hard working and dedicated to the Town of Amherst," said Council Member Bill Kindel, who served with Mr. Sharpe for eight years.

Kindel added that he was chairman of the Amherst Republican Party when Mr. Sharpe was first elected and remembers him as always putting the town first.

Sue Shipps, who was Mr. Sharpe's secretary and assistant in town hall, said he may have appeared to have a gruff exterior but he was a good listener, and she saw many town employees come to him for comfort.

"He always did what he thought was best for the whole town," she said. "He was a good man and was so proud of Amherst."

Shipps first met Mr. Sharpe in 1968 at WEBR. She also remembers he was an avid Sabres fan, once assisting in getting team members to the airport during a snowstorm.

Mr. Sharpe is survived by his wife, Gloria (nee Keller) and was the father of the late John C. Mr. Sharpe is also survived by his sister, Mary Lorraine Talley of Harris Hill; brother-in-law Frederick R. (Hai) Keller of Clearwater, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Amherst at a later date.