Melvin T. Sharp, 76, a longtime Wheaton resident whose love of singing punctuated his life, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, in his home. Mr. Sharp was a graduate of Chicago’s Harper High School, where he sang with the boys choral group. He served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, first as a pilot trainee and then as a gunner soldier. Later, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Roosevelt University in 1951. Mr. Sharp worked for CNA Insurance Co. for 35 years, retiring in 1988 as a systems manager at its downtown office. “Mel was a tenor and had a beautiful voice,” said his wife of 51 years, Marilynn. “He really enjoyed singing so much and looked for opportunities to share his talent with others. He sang to me on our wedding day, at several family reunions and just last year at our 50th wedding anniversary. It was just his way of expressing himself.” A Wheaton resident for 36 years, Mr. Sharp was active with many church activities at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheaton, where he sang in the choir. “Above all, he was a devoted family man,” said his wife. “Singing always came second, but when he could, he’d squeeze it in.” Other survivors include two sons, Gregory and Randall; two daughters, Deborah Nicholson and Cynthia Heath; two brothers, Donald and Gordon; and five grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 802 E. Geneva Rd., Wheaton.
