Raymond Michael Sharick

Ray Sharick, 57, of Granby, passed away at his home surrounded by family on May 29, 2025 after a five year battle with cancer.

Ray was born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, PA where he lived with his eight siblings and parents in Lower Burrell. Ray was a phenomenal athlete, creating the long standing high jump record at Burrell High School. He graduated from Penn State University and IUP. After the birth of his daughters the family moved to Massachusetts so he could earn his doctorate degree in Education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ray was well loved by both colleagues and students in the School of Education, and dearly loved teaching teachers. In addition, he worked for several years as an elementary principal, before returning to UMass to continue inspiring young educators. He was teaching classes through this semester. 

In addition to his love for education, Ray loved building things and worked on countless house projects for his family members. He loved yard work and keeping things tidy! His dog Frankie was a constant and faithful companion! Ray was a huge sports fan and loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, always ready to shout, “Go Steelers” upon meeting another stranger in Pittsburgh garb. He was a devoted fan of his daughters, Melanie and Meghan, and attended countless Wheaton Lacrosse games to watch them play throughout their careers. Ray’s grandson Bodie was the light of his life and put a smile and a twinkle in his eye everyday and he cherished every moment with him. He also enjoyed word games, particularly Spelling Bee and Wordle (in which he would compare scores with his beloved 93 year old mother, Marilyn) and was a lifelong learner, always trying to further himself. 

Over the past seven years, Ray found true love with his wife, Jennifer. Together, they embraced life fully, cherishing the time they spent side by side. This May, they celebrated their bond with a heartfelt, intimate wedding ceremony. Ray also formed a deep and meaningful connection with Jennifer’s son, Josh—loving and supporting him as his own. 

Ray was preceded in death by his father Edward Sharick, and is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Gannett) Sharick. He is also survived by: his wonderfully strong mother Marilyn Sharick, daughter Melanie Sharick and her wife Maggie Meagher and grandson Bodie Meagher, his daughter Meghan Sharick, stepchildren Josh Hart and Hannah Hart, as well as his eight siblings and their spouses: Dave and Kathy Sharick, Edward Sharick and Marita Williams, Dianne and John Pearson, Susan and Peter Sherlock, John and Diane Sharick, Brian and Stacie Sharick, Mary Jo and Tom Klebine, and Kathy and Eric Ciuffoletti and their families. He is also survived by his former wife, with whom he raised his children, Carol Sharick. 

A public celebration of life will be held on June 8th at The Boathouse in South Hadley, MA from 3:00-6:00pm, with a dedication at 4:00. A second celebration will be held in Lower Burrell, PA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Ray has requested that any donations are made to the Baystate D’Amour Center for Cancer Care and/or New England Public Radio. We would like to extend a special thank you to Doctor McCann and all of the staff at D’Amour Cancer Center for their care and expertise through Ray’s treatments.