Stuart W. Sharp, Jr., age 74, died unexpectedly at Holland Hospital on Friday morning, August 1, of complications from acute leukemia. Born and raised on the Hudson River in Newburgh, NY, son of Grace and Stuart W. Sharp Sr., he was passionate about music from a young age. Stuart served as choir director and organist in his local church at the age of 16, while also moonlighting as a pianist, bass player and band leader in a 1950's dance band. He graduated from Bucknell University and went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate in Music from the University of Kentucky. Stuart was an emeritus member of the Music Faculty at Hope College, where he taught voice and music history. He touched the lives of hundreds of students over more than 50 years. Stuart is survived by his lovely wife of 24 years, Linda; along with his sister, Margaret Bausback (Allan); and children, Stuart and Isabelle Sharp, Craig Sharp and Michele Ferenchick, Mark Sharp and Jennifer Theiss-Sharp, Megan Sharp and Jonathan Schakel, Chris and Sara Talsma, and Stephanie and Andy Bruno. He was dubbed "Papa Stu Stu" by his first grandchild and has since been adored by 12 more. Memorial donations may be sent to the Hope College Development Office, 141 East 12th Street, Holland, MI, 49423, where a scholarship fund will be established in his name. A memorial service, followed by a visitation with the family, will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Holland, MI, on Monday, August 4, at 3 PM.
Stuart W. Sharp, Jr., age 74, died unexpectedly at Holland Hospital on Friday morning, August 1, of complications from acute leukemia. Born and raised on the Hudson River in Newburgh, NY, son of Grace and Stuart W. Sharp Sr., he was passionate about music from a young age. Stuart served as choir director and organist in his local church at the age of 16, while also moonlighting as a pianist, bass player and band leader in a 1950's dance band. He graduated from Bucknell University and went on to earn a Master's degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate in Music from the University of Kentucky. Stuart was an emeritus member of the Music Faculty at Hope College, where he taught voice and music history. He touched the lives of hundreds of students over more than 50 years. Stuart is survived by his lovely wife of 24 years, Linda; along with his sister, Margaret Bausback (Allan); and children, Stuart and Isabelle Sharp, Craig Sharp and Michele Ferenchick, Mark Sharp and Jennifer Theiss-Sharp, Megan Sharp and Jonathan Schakel, Chris and Sara Talsma, and Stephanie and Andy Bruno. He was dubbed "Papa Stu Stu" by his first grandchild and has since been adored by 12 more. Memorial donations may be sent to the Hope College Development Office, 141 East 12th Street, Holland, MI, 49423, where a scholarship fund will be established in his name. A memorial service, followed by a visitation with the family, will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, Holland, MI, on Monday, August 4, at 3 PM.