Steve Sharkey

Steve Sharkey, 86, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, surrounded by his family and with his cat sleeping on his lap. He was born on April 4, 1939, in Carteret, New Jersey, the son of the late Stephen Csaki and the late Elizabeth Szalay. In 1961, he married Barbara Jennings, the love of his life, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on family, friendship, and adventure. After starting their family in New Jersey, they moved to Chesapeake Isle on Turkey Point, Maryland, at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. After Steve retired, they moved to Centreville, Maryland, and spent the next 30 years continuing a lifestyle that embraced the outdoors and family. Steve served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959. Following his military service, he dedicated 30 years of his career to DuPont. Never one to sit still, Steve later founded and ran TK Composites for eight years. Deeply connected to nature, Steve was an avid sailor on the Chesapeake Bay and found joy and purpose in working to protect the natural world. His efforts included participating in initiatives to restore oyster populations and cultivate seagrass beds. He was an active member of the Chester River Association and helped found the Corsica River Conservancy. Steve also enjoyed traveling throughout the world, including China, New Zealand, and South America. He especially treasured his birding and nature expedition to Ecuador. Steve’s creativity was evident in his beautifully carved swans, ducks, and other wildlife, which he leaves behind as lasting symbols of his appreciation for nature. He was endlessly curious about people, always eager to connect, and rarely still for long. Steve is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, his children Susan Sharkey (husband Robert Bell), Steve B. Sharkey (wife Audrey), grandchildren Brittany, Matthew (wife Janie), and Allison, and great grandchildren Scott and Lily. He is also survived by his sister, Alice Hill, and her children, Randy and Sharon. Steve will be remembered for his energy, creativity, generosity, and the deep love he shared with his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the community he helped shape, and the natural world he worked to preserve. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Barbara and the family thank Compass Regional Hospice for their wonderful, loving care in Steve’s final weeks of life. He will be dearly missed.

Steve Sharkey

April 4, 1939 - March 19, 2026