William Howard Sherkey

Surrounded by his loving family, William Howard Sherkey, age 72, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.  “Sherk” was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 26, 1949.  The only child of Joseph H. Sherkey and Jean A. (Palmer) Hitchens, he was raised in New Castle, was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, graduated from William Penn High School, continued his education at Wesley College and served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve.

In 1970, Sherk began his service to Delaware through his twenty-year career with the Delaware State Police.  With a commitment to excellence and exemplary leadership, he founded the Fatal Accident Investigation Reconstruction program.  It proved to be a significant success that continues statewide today.  Upon his retirement from the DSP, he established Sherkey & Associates, Inc. and continued to serve as an expert in the field of accident reconstruction.

After retiring, “Gadget Man Sherk” spent much of his time with his music, photography, on-line shopping and the transformation of his backyard into a bird sanctuary.  His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his cherished family.  He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, dad, pop-pop and son.

Preceded in death by his father, he is survived by his devoted mother; his beloved wife of 38 years, Carol Ann (Chynoweth) Sherkey; children, Eric Sherkey (Erica) of Newark, DE, Bryan Sherkey (Chelsey) of New Castle, DE, Megan Russell (Jimmy) of Wilmington, DE;  grandchildren, Ethan, Emma, Harper and Carter; and his extended family of cousins, in-laws and countless friends.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to all who shared their love and support during his 15-year battle with cancer.  Your thoughtfulness and compassion enabled Sherk to be a model of strength and perseverance.

A celebration of Sherk’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 with visitation starting at 10:00AM, and the service beginning at 12:30PM at Asbury United Methodist Church, 300 E. Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720.  Interment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of William Howard Sherkey may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 669, New Castle, DE 19720.

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