Gary Sharkey

Gary Michael Sharkey, or “Sharkey,” as he was widely known, was born March 18,1953 in Valentine, Neb., to Michael and Helen Sharkey. He grew up devout in his Catholic faith on the family farm near Keyapaha, S.D., west of Winner, S.D. It was there that Sharkey developed his work ethic that he would carry through his entire life.
Sharkey was the oldest of six children and attended rural country school on horseback while making sure his siblings’ horses were also properly saddled and ready to go. He was active in 4H, church and sports throughout his childhood.
He attended St. Mary’s High School in O’Neil, Neb., his freshman year of high school where he made the varsity football team. He returned to Winner and attended high school, graduating with the class of 1971.
While growing up, Sharkey excelled in athletics and had a passion for boxing and football that he would keep his entire life. Sharkey was a Golden Glove Boxer for many years and was coached by his father.
In 1972 he won the South Dakota Golden Gloves as a light heavyweight. He advanced to Omaha, Neb., where he won the Midwest Golden Gloves Champion. From there he advanced to the National Golden Gloves Championship where he won two matches but ultimately lost in the championship match by a 2-1 decision.
He was courted by several professional managers to go pro but in true Sharkey fashion, he was so mad about losing by decision in a match he felt he had won that he decided against it.
Sharkey attended Black Hills State University from 1971-75, leaving school for good one semester short of graduating when the lure of the oil fields of northeast Wyoming proved to be more enticing than sitting in a classroom. Sharkey moved full time to Gillette, Wyo., where he learned the ropes of the oil business, eventually starting and running Sharkey Well Service for many years before handing the company over to his son.
He said he was going to retire and promptly started his retirement job at Kissack Water and Oil. He worked four days a week and said it was the easiest job he ever had. He truly felt the Kissacks were family and loved every minute of his “retirement.”
Gary married Sharon Lang May 24, 1975. They had two children, Jennifer in October 1980 and Nicholas arrived in April of 1984. They raised their family in Gillette where Sharkey could be found coaching and cheering on the sidelines, fields, and courts of his kids’ sporting events.
Sharkey was an animal lover and gifted horseman, raising, training and showing horses on their family ranch near Custer, S.D.
After Sharon passed away Sharkey filled his time with work and enjoying his grandchildren. He later married Janelle Mason. They created a life they loved together which included traveling, working, building their home and yard and a shared passion for all things football, including the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos returned the love in 2016 when they won the Super Bowl with Sharkey in attendance. A true highlight of his life. Throughout his life Sharkey was an active member of the Sons of the Legion, the Moose Lodge, the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Lodge.
Sharkey died March 5, 2024, from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident. He was 70.
Mass of Christian Burial for Gary Sharkey was March 12 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church with Father Bryce Lungren officiating.
Sharkey was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer; youngest brother, Leo; first wife, Sharon; and his mom and dad.
He is survived by his wife, Janelle; his son, Nicholas; his grandchildren, Alec, Dominick and Jaselyn Sharkey and Kaylee Hackley; daughter-in-law, Jackie Sharkey; and son-in-law, Scott Hackley.
Sharkey’s family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the many people who were involved in his care Tuesday evening.
To the people first on the accident scene, the police and EMS and the hospital staff, thank you for everything you did. Sharkey was able to be surrounded by family when he died, and we will forever have comfort in that.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.
Condolences may also be expressed at gillettememorialchapel.com