Richard Lee Sharff

father, and proud grandfather, died peacefully on October 13, 2026, in Charlottesville, VA, from complications of multiple sclerosis (MS). He was 82. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Juliet; his sister, Judy; and his beloved wife, Linda. He is survived by his two sons, Richard Jr. (Richie) and Jeff, and

their wives, Dawn and Tami; his sister, Marge; and his cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Abby, Julia, Alex, and Livi.

Born on August 17, 1944, in Arlington, VA, Rich was a natural and accomplished athlete throughout the first 50+ years of his life. At just 5 feet 5 inches tall, he was the starting point guard on two state championship basketball teams for the W&L High School Generals, earning the nickname “the Little General.” He went on to become an all-Southern Conference second baseman for the University of Richmond Spiders. His talents extended well beyond basketball and baseball: he was also an excellent fast-pitch softball player, a scratch golfer, and a billiards shark. After graduating from the University of Richmond in 1966, Rich began his career as a

teacher and coach at Tuckahoe Middle School and J.R. Tucker High School in Richmond’s West End. Several years later, he entered the sporting-goods retail business with Par 3 Golf and Ski. He worked there for almost 20 years, ultimately serving as president of the business, by parlaying his love and knowledge of sports with

a friendly, easy-going personality to serve many loyal customers. In 1991, he left Par 3 to establish Rich’s Pro Shop, a golf retail business in Charlottesville, which he successfully operated for many years alongside Jeff. Outside of work, Rich’s time was devoted to his family. To Richie and Jeff, he was a natural teacher and coach who instilled in them the values of hard work, humility, and sportsmanship. To Linda, he was a kind, steady, and completely devoted husband. High school sweethearts who became husband and wife and best friends, Rich and Linda shared an enduring love that defined their life together.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the staff of Legacy Hospice Care, especially Linda Grimes, for her compassionate care and steadfast advocacy on Rich’s behalf throughout the final years of his life with MS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Legacy Hospice of Charlottesville in Rich’s memory.

A memorial service is scheduled on Saturday, January 30th, 2027 at 11:00 am Aldersgate United Methodist Church 1500 Rio Rd E, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Send contributions to:

Legacy Hospice

650 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Ste 310

Charlottesville, VA 22911

OR

https://www.legacy-hospice.com/