Henry D. Sharpe Jr. ’45

Henry D. Sharpe Jr. ’45, of Concord, Mass., and Sorrento, Me.; July 1. He joined Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing in 1946 and in 1951, at the age of 27, succeeded his father as president and CEO. He later served as chairman until retiring in 1996. He was fluent in French and was able to speak German and Italian. He developed a passion for writing and authored numerous stories and poems and was known for his “Hankisms.” He and his wife raised their children between homes, adventures, and travels across the U.S. and internationally. He was involved in conservation efforts and created a conservation grant for an easement on Stave Island, Me., to ensure the ecosystem of the larger Frenchman Bay. Having served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he earned two battle stars. He served on several boards, including the United Way, Providence Journal, R.I. Public Radio, and many civic and philanthropic organizations, and he was an emeritus member of Brown’s Corporation. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter Sarah A. Sharpe ’86 MAT; sons Henry III ’77 and Douglas ’79; and five grandchildren, including Eleanor T. Sharpe ’13, Henry W. Sharpe ’17, Austen E. Sharpe ’18, and
Lucien W. Sharpe ’24.