In loving memory of Lee Alan Sharpe

January 24, 1966 – November 2, 2026

Lee Sharpe, a devoted family man, proud labor leader, and lifelong advocate for working people, passed away on November 2, 2026, at the age of 60.

Born on January 24, 1966, in Monroe, Michigan to Trena Beason and Gary Sharpe, Lee spent his life building a legacy of service, hard work, and unconditional love. He was a deeply respected pillar of the Monroe community, where his passion for organized labor and his unwavering commitment to helping others left an unforgettable mark.

Lee dedicated much of his professional life to his career at the Enrico Fermi Nuclear Power Plant, where he worked as a nuclear operator until his retirement in 2025. Throughout his career, he took great pride not only in his work but also in advocating for the rights, safety, and well-being of his fellow workers.

His leadership in the labor movement spanned decades and touched countless lives. He was a proud member of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA Local 223), Enrico Fermi Division, where he also served as Union Chairman during his career. In this role, Lee was a dedicated advocate for his fellow union members, standing firmly for fairness, solidarity, and the rights of working people. His unwavering commitment to the labor movement earned him the prestigious Walt Campbell Award in 2018. His dedication to solidarity and community action was further demonstrated through his work with the Monroe/Lenawee County AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, where he served as a strong voice for local union members and working families.

Beyond his union leadership, Lee was deeply passionate about preserving the history and contributions of working people for future generations. He previously served as President of the Monroe County Council CIO Social and Welfare Association, which oversees the Monroe County Labor History Museum—Michigan's only museum dedicated to labor history. Through his leadership, he championed the preservation of the museum and the stories it represents, ensuring that the struggles, sacrifices, and accomplishments of working-class families would never be forgotten.

While Lee was an accomplished leader and dedicated advocate, his greatest joys were found in his family, the outdoors, and the simple pleasures of life. He loved spending time in nature, whether camping under the stars or canoeing down a quiet river. An avid hunter and fisherman, Lee found peace and happiness in the wilderness.

He was also a dedicated farmer and skilled beekeeper, a passion he learned from his grandfather, whom he loved and admired deeply. Beekeeping was more than a hobby for Lee; it was a meaningful connection to someone who had a profound influence on his life and a cherished tradition he carried forward with pride. He tended to his garden and hives with the same care and patience he brought to everything he did.

Lee had a remarkable ability to bring joy and laughter wherever he went. His contagious laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and larger-than-life personality could brighten even the darkest of days. He lived by a simple but profound belief: leave everything better than you found it. This was more than a saying to Lee; it was the way he lived his life. Whether through his work, his leadership, his friendships, or his family, he was always striving to make the world around him a little better.

A man of immense integrity, compassion, and generosity, Lee possessed a truly selfless heart. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone, never hesitating to lend a hand, stand up for what was right, or offer support to someone in need. He believed deeply in the power of community, the importance of hard work, and the responsibility we all share to care for one another.

Above all else, Lee loved his family more than anything in the world. Family was the center of his life, and he made it a priority to create memories and traditions that would bring everyone together. For years, he hosted Sunday dinners with his children and grandchildren, filling his home with laughter, love, and the comfort of simply being together. He opened his home for holidays and celebrations, always finding reasons to gather the people he loved most.

Lee was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He took great joy in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and seeing the people they were becoming. Whether it was a major milestone or a small everyday victory, his pride was matched only by his love for them.

Lee treasured experiences, whether it was attending concerts, sharing adventures, or simply enjoying the everyday moments that made life special. Some of his greatest joys were found in the simplest traditions, like his weekly breakfasts with his mom, regular phone calls with his sons, or trips to the farmers market with his daughter. To Lee, it didn't matter what they were doing, as long as they were spending time together. He understood that life's greatest gifts weren't found in grand gestures, but in the time spent with the people you love. His love, strength, humor, and unwavering devotion were gifts to those fortunate enough to call him family. Although his passing leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy will live on through the traditions he created, the memories he made, and the love he gave so freely.

Lee will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, union brothers and sisters, and the community he spent his life building, protecting, and making better.

Lee is survived by his four beloved children, Christopher (Sarah) Sharpe, Craig (Sophia) Sharpe, Jordan (Ellen) Brooks, and Amanda (Bryce) Althouse; his six cherished grandchildren, Gabriel, Bailee, C.J., Annabelle, Elliott, and Henry; his loving mother, Trena Miller; his father, Gary (Marty) Sharpe; and his brothers, David (Tammy) Sharpe and Jaret Hall. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom held a special place in his heart. Among those who will miss him is his beloved dog, Gus, who was never far from his side.

Lee was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Austin Beason, and grandmother, Rachel Butler, whose love and influence remained with him throughout his life. He was also preceded in death by his cherished dog and faithful companion, Blue, who held an incredibly special place in his heart and brought him immeasurable love, loyalty, and companionship.

Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11th at Bacarella Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday. Nov. 12th. Rev. Roy Southerland will officiate followed by interment at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lee's honor to the Monroe County Council CIO Social and Welfare Association.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.