Clarence “Dean” Sharp, 89, passed away the morning of Monday, December 8, 2025 at his home at Brightview Westminster Ridge in Westminster, Maryland surrounded by family.

Dean was born on March 1, 1936 at Buttermilk Hill in Grant Town, West Virginia to his late parents Clarence Eugene Sharp and Lillie Alice Toothman Sharp.

A proud veteran, he served in the US Army, Corp of Engineers for two years. Dean worked for 29 years at JHU Applied Physics Laboratory where he worked on several aerospace projects to include; custom printed circuit boards, satellite components, early drone prototypes and a rotating chair on Skylab. During his time at APL he also served as a volunteer fire fighter. After retiring from APL, Dean designed mobile command centers for Lockheed Martin. He officially retired in 2004. Dean loved learning about the latest technologies and enjoyed demonstrating any newly aquired gadget to family and friends.

He attended Fairmont State College, where he majored in Industrial Engineering, and excelled in a leathercraft class which became a life-long passion. A Master Leather Craftsman, Dean’s leatherwork was phenomenal and meticulous. Throughout his life, he was generous with his talent and always willing to make new leather belts, wallets, coin purses, key rings, and “custom gadget holders” for anyone who asked (and even when they didn’t). His candy store was Tandy Leather.

Fishing, woodworking, birdwatching, remote control car racing, completing word searches, reading Cliver Cussler books and spending time with his wife and family were other ongoing enjoyments throughout his life. For 60 wonderful loving years, Dean and Ruth were not only devoted partners but also each others’ best friend. He especially cherished his role as Pop to his five grandchildren, always eager to share his memories and talents with them.

Dean was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Lillie; and brother Harold Leon Sharp (Eva). He is survived by his wife of 60 years Rebecca Ruth (Cobb) Sharp, his daughter, Cynthia Gail Smith (Gregory) and his son, Jeffrey Neil Sharp (Rebecca) and sister Norma Jean Swisher (Jim). He is the proud Pop to five grandchildren: Sarah Emily Smith, Pamela Gail Smith, Lilleanna Rebecca Smith, Vivienne Rosa Sharp and Wyatt Dean Sharp. He is also survived by an extended family to include many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Fletcher Funeral Home, located at 254 E. Main St, Westminster Maryland 21157, on January 3, 2026. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place at a private ceremony with immediate family at the National Memorial Cemetery at Ouantico, Triangle, Virginia in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, Mom and Dad have requested donations to either Anne E. Moncure Elementary Library, https://gofund.me/74f179cc6 or  Friends of the Carroll County Public Library, https://library.carr.org/about/support.asp