Charles L. Sharos, beloved husband and best friend of Sheila (Sargent) Sharos of 59 years, passed away peacefully on April 29 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Charlie was born on October 17, 1932 in Fitchburg, MA. son of the late Louis Sharos and Roubine Koufopoulous and brother of the late James, Chris, and Arthur. He is survived by his son Thomas C. Sharos and wife Kathleen-Mary, and his daughter Penni McEleney and husband Mike. He was the much-admired “Papa” to five Grandchildren; Sarah McEleney, Ryan McEleney (Jessica), Kelly McEleney (Scott), Daniel McEleney (Amie), and Bridget Sharos, as well as three great-grandchildren; Alex Delauro, Declan McEleney, and Caden McEleney. He also leaves behind his four-legged sidekick, Punkin. Charlie was a graduate of Fitchburg High School and Springfield College. His love of athletics and passion for bettering the lives of youth was evident in his 35 years of service as a teacher, coach, mentor and athletic director at South Windsor High School. On April 10, 2014 the town memorialized his efforts by renaming the high school gymnasium the “Hugh Greer-Charlie Sharos Gymnasium” in his honor. In addition to state titles in basketball and soccer ‘Coach’ was the humble recipient of many prestigious honors for coaching and service. Some of this recognition included: National High School Athletic Coaches Association, National Coach of the Year – Soccer, Coach of the Year – Soccer – District 1, Coach of the Year – Basketball – District 1, National Athletic Director of the Year, National Hall of Fame, Connecticut High School Coaches’ Association, Service to CHSCA Appreciation Award, Hall of Fame, Athletic Director of the Year, Coach of the Year – Soccer, Coach of the Year – Basketball, Thomas Monahan President’s Honor Award, Service of Youth Award (2), Coach in first Basketball Festival, Connecticut Sports Writer’s Alliance - Coach of the Year – All sports, Connecticut Sports Writer’s Alliance - Gold Key Recipient, Exchange Club of South Windsor – Paul Harris Fellow Service Award, South Windsor High School – Hall of Fame, and Western Board of Soccer Officials – Paul Bourdeau Award. Charlie was president of the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as well as a member of various committees of that organization. He was an active member of the CIAC serving as a consultant to the CIAC Board of Control and Boys and Girls Soccer tournament Director. He was president of the North Central Connecticut Conference and Central Valley Conference. According to Charlie’s wishes there will be no calling hours. However, there will be a ceremony open to all friends at the Windsorville Cemetery, in the Windsorville section of East Windsor, at 11:30 on Tuesday, May 3. Bassinger and Dowd Funeral Home in East Windsor, CT will be handling arrangements. Memorial Donations can be made to Broad Brook Congregational Church, 122 Main Street, Broad Brook, CT 06016. For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
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