Richard Chute Sharp, 88, of Woodbury, formerly of Stamford, died peacefully Friday, December 17, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Mildred C. Sharp.

Mr. Sharp was born August 6, 1922 in Nutley, NJ, a son of Archibald and Bessie (Crane) Sharp. A graduate of Nutley High School, he received a BA degree from Hamilton College with a major in Math and Physics in 1947. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Fraternity. He then continued his studies at Cornell University and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. He was elected to Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon, honorary engineering societies. In 1958 he received a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from New York University. Several positions followed with engineering firms in New York. In 1962 he became Assistant City Engineer in Stamford, CT. He left in 1965 to form the partnership of Albertson, Sharp and Associates in Norwalk and continued as a partner until his retirement in 1984. Mr. Sharp served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and was president of the Southwestern Connecticut chapter of Connecticut Professional Engineers. He held engineering licenses in NY, CT, FL, MA, RI, and VT.

He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. Commissioned as an Ensign, he commanded an LCI as a Lieutenant (jg) in the Pacific theater.

A 45-year resident of Stamford, Mr. Sharp was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Trustee, Elder and Deacon. After his retirement to Woodbury, he became a member of the Woodbury United Methodist Church. He was a long-time member of the Rotary Club and active in Alumni affairs at Hamilton College. An avid outdoorsman, he loved skiing, sailing, and hiking, and was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club.

Besides his wife of 60 years, he leaves his son, Robert A. Sharp and his wife, Nancy, of Woodbury, and their sons David and Matthew; his daughter, Kathryn S. Scruggs and her husband, Gary, of Woodbury, and their sons Tyler, Colby, and Carter. Two daughters, Betsy and Martha, predeceased him. He also leaves a brother, Roylance H. Sharp of Sun City Center, FL and a sister, Janet Sharp Walz of Newton, NJ, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108; or to the Woodbury United Methodist Church, 3 Church Street, Woodbury, CT 06798.

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: United Methodist Church

Services: A Memorial Service followed by a reception will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 11 a.m., at Woodbury United Methodist Church, 3 Church Street, Woodbury, CT. Burial will be private.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.