John Steven Sharkey, 72, of Ridge Road in Franklin Township died Tuesday morning at his home after an illness.

Born Nov. 3, 1933, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Joseph and Sadie Niedermyer Sharkey.

He was a member of St. Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church.

Mr. Sharkey retired from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where he was a driver since 1968.

He was an Army veteran.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, yard work and his grandchildren. He was an avid Steelers' fan.

Surviving are his wife, Catherine Glasl Sharkey, whom he married Jan. 21, 1961; five sons and their wives, Darryl and Lori Sharkey of Petersburg, Va., and Alan Sharkey, Larry Sharkey, Kevin and Iris Sharkey and Danny and Shannon Sharkey, all of Butler; a daughter, Leighann Sharkey and her fiancé, John Conner, of Butler; and six grandchildren: Bianca, Steven, Larry "L.J.," Sammy, Taylor and Zachary.

Three brothers, Bill and Joseph Sharkey, both of Pittsburgh, and Richard Sharkey of California, also survive.

<B>SHARKEY</B> — A funeral Mass for John Steven Sharkey, who died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Matthew Tosello, officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001; or St. Christopher at the Lake Roman Catholic Church, 229 N Franklin St., Prospect PA 16052.Arrangements are being handled RAISLEY FUNERAL HOME, Prospect. Information is available atwww.raisleyfuneralhome.com.