Obituary of Thomas A. Sharp

Thomas A. Sharp A son, a brother, a player, a coach. A husband, a father, a teacher, a Coach. A friend, a counselor, a great man, a coach. What became his favorite – a grandfather. Born February 6, 1940 at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. Tom Sharp was one of twelve children born to George and Irene Sharp. He grew-up in the Corryville area where he attended St. George Elementary School and then went on to Central High School (later to become Courter Tech and now Cincinnati State). As a child growing up he was very involved with the youth sports programs provided by the Friar’s Club of Cincinnati. They played locally and traveled throughout the Midwest to compete in baseball, basketball, ice hockey, swimming, wrestling and what became his passion … football. Being the eighth of 12, he developed his completive streak early on and he loved to play games and he loved to win! He was offered and accepted a scholarship to play football at Eastern Kentucky University. He was red-shirted his freshman year. The following four, he was the Maroons (prior to being the Colonels) defensive captain. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines and earned EKU’s four-year Letterman’s ring. While at Eastern, he met Deidre Ann Nugent. After graduation, the two eloped and moved back to Cincinnati. They lived in Mt Washington. Tom took a position in 1963 as a teacher and coach at Eastern Hills with Cincinnati Public Schools. His first son, Thomas Duff, was born the following August. During the summer, Tom worked various odd jobs to support his family (teachers didn’t or should I say don’t make much) including pumping gas and working at the local swim clubs. He went on to complete his Master’s in Education from Xavier University in 1965. A year later, they moved to Clifton. Tom was recruited by Jack “Bear” Campbell in 1967 to take a teaching and assistant varsity coaching position with Woodward High School. In 1969, he and his family moved to Montgomery and his second son, Christopher Nugent “Kip”, was born. He remained at Woodward until 1983, the final four (I think) as the head coach. During his tenure at Woodward, Tom coached the likes of Ed Shuttlesworth, Larry Faulk (later to become Abdul Salaam), Leon Durham, Kirk Springs, Daryl Boston, David Frye and John Jackson. After Woodward, Tom took a coaching position with Withrow and taught and Western Hills High School until the position opened at Walnut Hills in 1985. While at Walnut, he met Susan Brockman, an English and drama teacher. The two married in December of 1986. Together they bought a house in Madeira. Susan and Tom were soulmates. “Peas and Carrots,” as Forrest Gump would say. And their two differing personalities were the perfect complement for one another. Susan, the very (extremely!) organized planner, and Tom, the go with the flow, “I will do anything as long as I don’t have to plan it” mentality. The two traveled all over the US and Europe. He would bitch (something he prided himself in as being a professional) about the whole packing, going to the airport, travel process. He usually did not have to do much, Susan would have his bag packed and the itinerary scheduled to the minute. All he had to do was listen and carry a suitcase. When they got to their destination – he quickly immersed himself in the culture and did not shy away from trying new food/drink, and exploring the history of wherever they happened to be. In addition to traveling, the two enjoyed working in their yard. They also belonged to a gourmet group that is still active to this day (30+ years). They loved to entertain family and friends for any occasion but especially during the holidays. They had a wonderful life together until Susan passed in 2004. Tom cherished his time at Walnut. He was proud to be a part their faculty – one that has had such tremendous success with their academic achievements. He loved to hear the stories of former players and students going on to college and their successes in life. He always preached the values you learn on the football field (or any extra circular activity) carry over to life off the field. “Practice as you play the game”, “Triumph is the ‘umph’ you put in trying”, “A good athelete is disciplined in their workouts, their school work and life in general”, “If it is worth doing at all then, it is worth doing well”, “There is a big difference between wanting to and willing to” and “Have no regrets.” In addition to coaching, Tom loved college football, especially to his beloved Buckeyes. While watching a game he would know the formations, the blocking schemes and tell you about a similar play his offense ran. His vast knowledge of the sport was second to none. He was a fierce competitor in everything he did (even a card game). He loved playing handball, basketball and tennis. He worked out every day (even if he was sick) and if he didn’t get in his daily workout… it usually put him in a foul mood. Physical health was always important to Tom and his daily routine included going to the Blue Ash Y. He enjoyed it not only for the health benefits but also, the friendships he developed. Although he was fiery on the court, he could not have been a better friend. He was generous, kind and loved by many. Friendship was very important to Tom and he would spend hours telling stories of his days growing up in Corryville or just bullshitting with fellow coaches, colleagues, and former students. Tom had a great sense of humor and he loved exchanging funny stories but, would always ask you first if it was ‘okay’ to tell you a dirty joke. He enjoyed working the crossword puzzles and read numerous detective novels filled his days after retirement. Being one of twelve children, Tom became an Uncle at an early age to an ever-expanding family which grew to include 31 nieces and nephews. He enjoyed being around children and watching them play. He was always interested to hear how they were doing. He truly cared about them, he supported them with whatever their interests may have been. This was evident with his children. He provided guidance, clarity and wisdom. Most importantly he showed his love and support with whatever activity they chose and this carried on to include his Grandchildren. He always wanted to know how the grandkids were, what they were doing, and if he could help in any way. He would make as many games and activities as he could, and would call daily to get updates. Throughout his illness, the only real complaint he had was his disappointment in not being able to see what the future held for his grandkids. Tom retired from full-time teaching in 2000 after 37 years of teaching and coaching. The following fall he continued to teach part-time at Walnut and coach. In 2002 he went to help a start-up varsity program at Schoeder. The school only went to the 11th grade at the time and did not have a senior class until 2003. In 2003, Tom joined George Kontsis as an assistant coach for Hughes High School. The two quickly developed a mutual respect and became great friends. Five years later, the two found themselves back at Walnut Hills coaching the varsity football team. In 2011, the dedicated coaching staff guided Walnut to their first state play-off appearance in school history. Tom decided the 2015-16 season would be his last year of coaching. After 52 years (!) of walking up and down the sidelines, in and out of the classroom, to and from activities; it was time to relinquish the torch to those following in his footsteps. A career spanning over 52 years, it would be impossible to name all of the people he touched, and the friends accumulated along the way. He was a beloved son, brother, player, coach, husband, father, teacher, coach, friend, counselor, a great man, and a coach. What became his favorite – a grandfather. Tom Sharp of Madeira will be missed by many.