Robert "Bob" John Sharkey

Robert "Bob" John Sharkey, born March 23, 1953, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024 after battling Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease for several years. 

Bob was born in Concord, CA and grew up in Oakland, CA. He was always interested in social injustices/causes; as a teenager, he joined the Farmworkers in central California in their fight to organize for workers’ rights. He picketed and canvassed grocery stores that refused to stop selling grapes. This experience formed his lifelong passion for social justice.

Bob attended Merritt Junior College in Oakland and majored in Ornamental Horticulture. This formed his other passions: gardening, landscaping, and plants. Bob also met the love of this life there, Kathleen. They married in 1978 and moved to Oroville, CA where they lived for over 30 years.

Bob worked at many public agencies and cities in California, always being promoted for being a conscientious and hard-working employee. He worked for many years for the Feather River Recreation and Parks department, moving up eventually to Superintendent. Bob was instrumental in the coordination of the Oroville Dam 2006 relicensing and in the design and installation of the first multi-use skate and bike park in California. He also helped develop and design Riverbend Park in Oroville. After he retired, he joined the Board at FRRPD.

In 2016, Bob and his wife moved to Santa Rosa, CA where they enjoyed the beauty of Sonoma County and being near the ocean. He enjoyed riding his bike, working out, and exploring local sites and nature.

In addition to work, Bob put a lot of love into his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Evelyn; and his siblings, Patricia and Nick. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his five children, Loren (Arin), Melissa, Willow (Harjit), Robin, and Fiona (Joseph); two grandchildren, Devendra and Arjuna; his brother Larry (Joanne); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Redwood Caregiver Resource Center at www.redwoodcrc.org

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