William Kenneth “Bill” Sharpe, of West Warwick, Dies at 76

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Iannotti Funeral Home

William Kenneth “Bill” Sharpe, Sr., 76, of West Warwick, died of natural causes on Monday, August 23rd, 2021, at Kent Regency Nursing Home in Warwick. He was the devoted husband to his wife, Carmel (Ciafrel) Sharpe of West Warwick.

He was born on Nov. 12, 1944, in Providence, the son of George V. and Regina (McCabe) Sharpe. Bill graduated from West Warwick High School, as a member of the Class of 1962.

Following graduation, he served in US Army Reserves. Bill started working at General Dynamics Subbase in the Paint Division, Groton, CT and finished his employment with Electric Boat in Quonset Point, where he attained his 25-year award. He then worked and finally retired after working 15 years for the Town of West Warwick Water Treatment Facility.

Bill was a loyal member of the Rhode Island Sinners and the Rhode Island Street Rodding Association.

Bill was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a true friend to those who knew him. His true passion was car restoration and the friends that drove them. Bill was happiest being around family or in the garage.

In addition to his beloved wife, Bill is survived by his cherished children: William Kenneth “Billy” Sharpe, Jr., and Michelle (Sharpe) Nordin and her husband Lawrence Nordin, Jr., all of Warwick; his sisters: Judy and Jean Sharpe; his treasured five grandchildren: Lance Sharpe, Adrienne Sharpe, Tyler Nordin, Lawrence Nordin, III, Jonathan Nordin, and Ashlyn Nordin; also many extended family members and friends.

Visiting hours will be Friday, August 27, 2021, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, with a Service at 12:00 pm in the Iannotti Funeral Home, 415 Washington St., (Rt. 117), Coventry, RI

. Burial will be at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Warwick.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Kenneth “Bill” Sharpe, Sr., please visit the floral store.

Upon discharge from the military in 1955, Robert A. Iannotti Sr. took advantage of the GI Bill and attended the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. In 1958, he, his mother and brothers established the Robert A. Iannotti Funeral Home, with him as director. In 1961, he also opened Reliable Realty Company to sustain his family while the funeral home was being established. In 1977, Robert bought his brother’s interest in the funeral home, and in the early 1980s his two sons, Robert Jr. and Thomas Iannotti, both entered into their father’s business.

Throughout the next several decades, Iannotti Funeral Home has grown to be the largest funeral home in the community, serving all families with respect and dignity. Registered funeral director James Morel joined the funeral home in 2005, bringing with him years of professional expertise and compassion. In 2009, Robert Jr. became president and owner of the funeral home, with his wife, Kim D. Iannotti, and his son, Robert III. Robert III became a third-generation funeral director when he earned his license in 2012.

LEARN MORE HERE

William Kenneth “Bill” Sharpe, of West Warwick, Dies at 76

Sign Up for the Daily Eblast