Ralph R. Sharkey, 88 of Wolcott passed away at 6:20 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2015 at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello. He had been in failing health for the last couple years. He was born January 12, 1926 in Wolcott to the late Delbert and Sadie (James) Sharkey and attended Wolcott schools. Ralph married JoAnn Smith on November 6, 1954 in Lafayette. She survives. He joined the US Navy on April 11, 1944 and spent 4 month's stationed at Great Lakes and 4 month's at Ft. Pierce, Florida. He then was assigned to amphibious ship LST 947 where he spent 18 month's as front gunner in the Pacific and participated in the invasion of Okinawa. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in June of 1946. Mr. Sharkey was a farmer and also worked at National Homes for many years. Ralph enjoyed working in his yard, blue grass music and attending motorcycle races. Surviving with his wife are their children, Linda Sharkey of Black Mountain, NC, Lowell Sharkey (wife: Sheila) of Manitou, Kentucky, Kenny Sharkey (wife: Janna) of Naples, FL, David Hintzman (wife: Karen) Union Dale, IN, Debbie Rowe (husband: Jerry) of Marion, Brenda Miller (Wayne) of Elkhart, IN, Robert Sharkey (wife: Barb) of Monon, Carole Cross (husband: Willie) of Wolcott and Lisa Sharkey (husband: Gene Ha) Berwyn, IL and a favorite Nephew Allan Sharkey of Chicago, IL. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death with his parents are his siblings, Opal McCarthy, James Sharkey, Roger Sharkey, Delbert Sharkey Jr. A private family funeral service will be held Thursday at the Foster-Clapper Funeral Home of Wolcott; Pastor Don Newman to officiate. Interment to follow in Wolcott Cemetery. Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.