David Justin Sharp, 59 of Oswego, Illinois passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 17th at Central DuPage Hospital after his 4-year valiant fight with Esophageal cancer. David was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on April 15th, 1967, to Thomas Kenneth Raymond Sharp and Doreen Lillian Sharp (nee Baron) of England. David spent his school days making friends, running track and cross country, and playing basketball. He excelled at his studies and was President of the Student Council at Glenbard North High School, in Carol Stream, graduating in 1985. His love of animals had him working for Bloomingdale Animal Hospital for several years during his high school and college days. He started his college career at Benedictine University under a running scholarship. After several knee procedures, he hung up his running shoes and transferred to University of Illinois Champagne/Urbana studying genetics with an intent to become a veterinarian. In 1989, a life changing car accident would send him on the path of a new career working with profoundly handicapped children and adults, after experiencing a long and arduous recovery from his accident. During his time at Marklund, he organized a 460-mile wheelchair trek across Illinois with his best friend, Joe Rorke to raise awareness and funds. They raised $3M. He spent years continuing his focus working to better the lives of the profoundly handicapped taking jobs at Alden Village and Little City Foundation, where he was the Director of PR/Communications/IT. In the late 90s, his trajectory changed fully into the world of Information Technology, taking a role as Director of IT for National Logistics, working alongside his sister. He then took on a role as Managing Director/CTO of Argent Technologies. His years in IT would bring various engineering, systems or enterprise architect roles as well as the Director of Innovation role at Zones. His final career position began in April 2026 as a Senior Sales Engineer at Parallels Inc. He was so looking forward to this new position and thoroughly enjoyed his first few weeks with the company.

In November 1991, while out with friends at El Jardin Bar, in downtown Chicago, IL, he had no idea his life was about to change. That night he met the love of his life, future wife, Kathleen (aka Kassie) (nee Murphy). After they met, David wanted to join the Catholic Church. He eagerly participated in RICA program and was confirmed on Easter 1993. David and Kathleen were married in 1994 at Christ the King Church in Chicago and spent two wonderful weeks honeymooning in Negril, Jamaica. A place that would become one of their most treasured destinations as they renewed their vows in 2004 and they returned many times with their children and family. David and Kathleen loved to travel and were blessed to travel to many beautiful destinations together such as Key West, FL, England, Ireland, the Bahamas, Charleston SC., Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, Napa Valley, San Franciso and Jamaica multiple times to name a few. They have raised 3 amazing children together. David was so very proud of his beautiful children Kaitlyn, Michael and Brendan and the wonderful humans they are becoming. He would have moved heaven and earth to assist in helping them to accomplish their goals and dreams. He coached them in various sports over the years, built school and scout projects and was always ready to assist in technology related questions or share his favorite music and movies with them. David loved planning and taking family trips and exploring places. He camped; he drove or he flew to so many wonderful destinations with his wife and his children.

Those of you who knew him well, know that the 80s were his favorite decade, especially for music. He loved sports and movies, especially the White Sox and Blackhawks. Struggled with the Bears and Bulls but always loved Chicago teams. Music, photography and technology were his favorite hobbies and interests. He loved to DJ, a hobby started in high school and carried across many decades. He had in the last few years invested in high end DJ technology equipment and provided music for many family and friend's events. He most recently DJ'd his 40th High School reunion in April of 2026.

He gave so very much to his community and those he cared for, always Volunteering to walk or raise money for a cause or a family in need. David was always the friend to lend a hand; build something, fix something, trim or mow and specially creating a slide show with music. He was a die-hard Oswego Panther fan and a booster for 11 years while our children attended OHS. His greatest achievement and love were us, his family. David was so very outgoing and social. His many friends meant the world to him, and he never missed a party or event, even when his health was a struggle.

David is survived by his wife, Kathleen (nee Murphy), his children, Kaitlyn Murphy Menard (Jake), Michael Thomas Sharp, Brendan Christopher Sharp. His sister Amanda Zinsser. Brother-in-law, William H. Murphy IV, nieces, Erin Murphy (Matt Fleischer) and Bridget Murphy and nephew, Liam Murphy and brother-in-law, Jim Zinsser (Kathi).

David is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Doreen, his brother Simon, and his mother-in-law Sally Murphy (nee Aubil).

Miss Me but Let Me Go - When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me; I want no rites in a gloom filled room why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not for long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that once we shared. Miss me but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone. It's all part of the master plan a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do....Miss me but let me go......Unknown

The Sharp Family wishes to extend their deep appreciation for the Doctors, NURSES, and all the medical staff who cared for David over the last 4 years at City of Hope and Central DuPage Hospital. Your care and attention will forever be remembered and cherished always. To the Sharp Family and Friends who have supported us throughout we cannot express how much your love and support has been immeasurable.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Rd, Oswego, IL. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Anne Catholic Church 551 Boulder Hill Pass Oswego, IL. where a mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12:30 PM. In Lieu of flowers, please donate the ALS Association (https://www.als.org/) or American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org) For information, 630-554-3888 or visit his memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com