Thomas “Tom” Sharbaugh
Thomas “Tom” Sharbaugh, 81, of Sanibel passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025. Tom was born May 19, 1944, to Raymond and Emma Susan (Bender) Sharbaugh in Spangler, PA. To those who knew him, Tom was a legend the coolest guy in the room.
A resident of both Sanibel Island, FL and St. Charles, IL (outside of Chicago), Tom was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather (aka “Pum”), brother, friend, neighbor, and community member. He will be remembered for his stealth generosity, endless curiosity, undeniable charisma, and the best dry sense of humor around.
Tom grew up in Middletown, PA and went on to attend Penn State University (class of 1966). There, he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, began his lifelong love of Penn State football, and met his future wife, Judie.
After Penn State, Tom joined the Army and did a tour in Vietnam from 1966-1967. Upon returning from Vietnam, Tom and Judie married, and Tom was stationed in Fort Devens. Following his time in the Army, Tom received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business (class of 1970).
After grad school, Tom worked for Procter & Gamble, kicking off a long and successful career as a marketing guy. In 1975, Tom took a job at the United States Postal Service before landing his dream job at Anheuser-Busch and moving the family to St. Louis, MO in 1978. Tom led marketing at A-B for 16 years his brilliant marketing mind could be seen in legendary campaigns throughout the 80s and 90s. Following his time at A-B, the family moved to the Chicago area in 1994, where Tom led advertising and marketing at Sears and The Leap Group agency until the time of his retirement.
In retirement, Tom and Judie found their second home in Sanibel, their island sanctuary for 20+ years. A proud member of the Sanibel Bike Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Community House board, Tom loved his Sanibel community. His dedication to the beautification, restoration, and bike safety of the island can be seen today along the island’s many bike paths.
According to his island buddies, Tom’s contributions on Sanibel were never about him, he was all about getting the job done a work ethic he instilled in his three adult daughters.
Handyman, architect, designer, Macgyver Tom could bring any home improvement vision to life. The host with the most, Tom enjoyed sharing his Sanibel home with friends and family, highlighting the island’s many trails and treasures. Some of his happiest times were spent bike riding with Judie, especially with his grandkids strapped in the back. Beyond the bike, Tom loved to laugh. He loved music. He played a mean accordion. Tom knew how to work a room and make you feel like the most important person in it.
Preceded in death by his parents (Ray and Sue) and brother-in-law (Lary), Tom is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judie; three grateful daughters and their significant others, Amy (Scott), Kris (Jay), and Kelly (Rob); adoring grandchildren (Wes and Natalie); siblings (Dorothy and John) and their spouses (John and Carolyn); sister-in-law (Lynn); nieces and nephews (Susan, Debbie, Lisa, Joe, and Danny); and too many friends to list.
To his entire brood Tom was and will always be a rock, a champion, a supportive ear, the man of the hour. Forever, the coolest guy in the room.
There will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to The United Way, call your loved ones, and raise a glass of your favorite spirit in a toast to Tom and a life well lived.