Jacqueline Charmaine Sharkey

Jackie, as everyone called her, was born in Homestead, Florida, on February 8, 1946, to father Mariano (Michael) Tomarchio and mother Carmella (Carrie) DiVeronica Tomarchio. One of six children, Jackie relocated with her parents and siblings to Canastota, New York. The family eventually returned to South Florida where she attended St Stevens Catholic School and South Broward High School. It was here that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Kenneth Sharkey, whom she would elope and marry in Georgia following her graduation from Melbourne High School in the summer of 1964. They went on to have three daughters, Charmaine, Melissa, and Kimberly, and would later renew their vows at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church on November 19, 1991.

Jackie attained her Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University and worked in various professions including as a teacher, decorator, realtor and legal assistant. She also worked in the office of the family business, American Battery, a company that Ken and his brother, Brian, started. Like the brothers, Jackie went into business, a paint and wallpaper store, with her sister, Marianne, who was married to Ken’s brother, Brian, making them all especially close as not only family, but business partners as well.

Although she worked in many occupations, Jackie’s priority was always her family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Nonna, as she was called, could often be found making breakfast and doing puzzles with her grandchildren, and taking them on her favorite activity, shopping at the mall. Jackie was also very religious and along with attending church regularly, she often took pilgrimages to Italy and Conyers, GA, where the Virgin Mary was known to appear.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Carrie Tomarchio; her brother, Michael Tomarchio; and her sister, Marianne Sharkey. She is survived by her three siblings, Joseph Tomarchio, Judy Poteat, and Karen Chriswisser; three daughters, Charmaine Sharkey, Melissa Sharkey, and Kimberly Sharkey; and nine grandchildren, Niko Sterghos, Kristo Sterghos, Jacqueline Sterghos, Mark Sharkey, Kenny Hood, Michael Hood, Carmela Hood, Jacob McPharlin, and Nicolette McPharlin.

A 1 PM visitation, followed by a service and burial will be held Friday, May 17, at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955. All are invited to attend.

People wishing to honor Jackie’s lifelong commitment to faith, family and friends can make donations to St. Francis Reflections Lifestage Care.