Hubert "Hugh" Sharpe

Hubert "Hugh" Sharpe

Hubert Moore Hugh Sharpe, 94, of Vero Beach, FL, formerly Grand Island, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Hugh, the second of three boys, was born in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada in 1932 to the late Arthur and Margaret Sharpe. As a teenager, his family emigrated to the United States; living in Minnesota before later settling the Buffalo area. He enlisted for the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Through his service, he became a U.S. citizen — one of his proudest accomplishments. He received his master’s in education from the University of Buffalo and spent over 30 years teaching Earth science for the Grand Island Central School District. Under a National Science Foundation grant, he served as an instructor at the State University of New York College at Buffalo, teaching a course on the teaching of Earth Science to educators. In 1969, he received a Shell Merit Fellowship for study at Cornell University in Ithaca. Additionally, he worked with the New York State Department of Education, assisting in the development of science curriculum and the writing of final exams. In 1987, the state education department honored Hugh with an outstanding science educator award. Following an accomplished career as an educator, he retired in 1995. Beyond his career in education, the role he cherished most was that of husband, father, and grandfather. Married for 56 years, he and his beloved wife, Catherine, raised their two sons in the same town where he taught, creating deep roots in the community he so faithfully served. His commitment to the community extended far beyond the classroom. Together, he and his wife operated a cross-country ski shop, sharing their love of the outdoors with friends and neighbors. His dedication to serving others was recognized in 1983 when he was named Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for Community Service. A devoted volunteer, he was an active member of the Grand Island Branch of the Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross, where over the years he served as a board member, disaster coordinator, branch chairman, and chair of the Youth Committee. Whether mentoring young people, coordinating relief efforts, or supporting community initiatives, he gave generously of his time and talents. His adventurous spirit and appreciation for nature shaped much of his life. An avid sailor, cross country skier, and talented wood carver, he found joy in both craftsmanship and the outdoors. Some of his happiest times were spent camping and sailing with his children and, later, his grandchildren. Together, they explored much of Canada and the United States in their beloved Airstream. In the last decade of his life, he made Vero Beach, FL his full-time home. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare staff at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and to Nicole O’Neill, Local Veteran Advocate, and Marie Jeanlouis for the exceptional care, kindness, and unwavering support they provided to Hugh and his loved ones. Hugh is survived by his sons, Brian (Cindy) and Wayne (Asuka); his grandsons, Michael (Gillian) and Matthew (Megan); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine (née Crombie), and brothers John Jack and David. Services will be held on Grand Island on September 5th. The graveside service will be at 11 AM at the Whitehaven Cemetery, 3094 East River Rd with a luncheon following at The Buffalo Launch Club for all attending. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Voices for Veterans of Indian River County (vvirc.org) in honor of Hubert M. Sharpe.