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At 17, he graduated in his junior year from Briarcliff High Schooll and enlisted in the Army Reserve Program while attending Princeton University. He later transferred to the Army Air Corps and served as an aerial engineer on B-26 bombers. Sharman spent one semester at Hamilton College and then finished his Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell University. While at Cornell he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He met his future wife, Audrey Rossman, who predeceased him in 2006.
Associated with achitectural firms in New York City and White Plains, Bill opened his own practice in Briarcliff Manor in 1965. He designed apartment buildings, new houses, stores and office buildings. He also remodeled, renovated and expanded existing homes in New York and Connecticut. He was the architect when the Briarcliff Library was moved into the old railroad station in 1959.
“It was always my preference to be a residential architect,” Sharman said in a Daily Voice story in 2013.
Sharman's longest community connection was with the Briarcliff Congregational Church. Bill served on numerous church boards and committees and was a member of the church choir. He joined the Briarcliff Fire Department at the age of 16 and was a member for 72 years, became a member of the Fire Police and served as Captain in 2000. He also served the Fire Company as President, Vice President and Lieutenant. In 2001 he was selected Grand Marshall of the Department’s centennial parade.
In 2003 Bill was inducted into the Briarcliff High School Hall of Distinguished Alumni, and in 2006 was elected to the Westchester County Senior Citizen Hall of Fame. He attained a Life Scout rank in Troop 18 and later became a troop leader. He was on the committee which organized the Village’s 75th anniversary celebration; the Briarcliff Manor Scarborough Society grew out of this observance. He served as the first president of the society where he continued to be an active member.
Other local service included school district committees, President of the Briarcliff Little League and the Tommy Fund.
“This was a great place to grow up and still a great place to live,” he said in the Daily Voice story.
Sharman is survived by his daughters, Karen Sharman and Leslie Peterson, two grandchildren, Sara and Matt and three great-grandchildren Kieran, Shealynn and Micah. Contributions may be sent to the Briarcliff Congregational Church, the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department, or a charity of choice.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Briarcliff Congregational Church, 30 S. State Road, on Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at Sharman's residence on Oak Road.
John G. Crawford is in charge of arrangements.
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