Alfie

John Alfred Sharkey was born in Roscommon, Ireland. He emigrated to New Jersey, USA, married Rita, and fathered and raised three lovely daughters who married and produced lovely grandchildren.

Alfie spent more than 30 years as a humble servant of the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. He maintained and valued his sobriety through generous service to others suffering from the disease of alcoholism.

Alfie was faithful to his Roman Catholic upbringing and beliefs.

Alfie was an American citizen who served in the U.S. Army and was loyal to his adopted country but always remembered and supported the heritage and culture of his native Ireland.

sligobay

Five Hawks Ascending

Prayers were said by the side of the grave

For one who was freed as alcohol’s slave,

Brass bugles were blown by brothers in arms

Heralding freedom from “the bottle’s” harms;

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Embers of hope billowed to flame from smolder

Taps blown in honor of this fallen soldier,

Members, family and friends all lamented

Flag flown, then folded, bent knee presented;

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What words can share the wealth of his care?

Which poems can dare the depths of despair?

What songs can sing the feat of his faith?

Which books can bear grace to Heaven’s gate?

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Suffice it to say, John walked on Christ’s way

Trudging along atuned to his heartsong,

No better man or servant of AA

John’s hand lent to all no matter the wrong.

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Take heart in the passing of God’s humble servant

Make joyous noise and arise, don’t reel in lament,

Lift spirit on balmy breezes and soaring hawk wings

Serve others, stay humble, seek God not worldly things;

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No finer legacy of “ Alfie” of Roscommon

Than to humbly serve the battered, so uncommon,

Twelve stairs lead to heaven, the lift is eleven

Take heart in the stumble of humble step seven;

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None can reach the top except from the bottom

The first step begins the journey toward God,

The second claims the past ought not be forgotten

Surrender of will opens the path which we trod.

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Forgive our trespasses as we forgive others

Inventory our faults, as have done our brothers,

Confide all in trust, to God and another

Judge not the pain nor shortcomings of each other.

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Become entirely willing to let God remove

All defects of character that shackle our lives,

Let go and let God’s perfect creation improve

His instrument of peace so the dying survive;

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List all of the persons to whom we have caused harm

And become willing to make amends to them all,

Right all wrongs we have done, leaving none in the barn

Pay all debts, feel remorse, find haven from the squall;

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Know, there, but for the grace of God, go I

With the gift of desperation, we cry,

From these mortal depths, our spirits take flight

One day at a time, we fight the good fight.

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Daily reflection reveals our progress

When we are wrong, we promptly admit it,

Sometimes our faults hinder the process

Conscious contact with God yields our profit.

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Never alone, just blessed fellowship

A friend in need is our gallant steed,

Lift up the soul who has suffered a slip

From the yoke of alcohol, are we freed.

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John Alfred Sharkey stayed always anonymous

Longtime humble servant and member of AA,

This tribute to Alfie is delivered posthumous

In his grave, he’d roll over at the honor we pay;

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Blessings of spouse and three loving daughters

A home and job, nine sisters and brothers,

Cheerfully he bore the pain of his illness

Glory to God, did his life bear witness;

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Spring of the holy wells of Ireland,

Crop of the fields of Roscommon County,

Fruit of the vines of the hills and lake lands

Child of God and an heir of His bounty;

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Love thy neighbor as thyself is the Lord’s command

Work humbly in the grace of God with a willing heart,

Lift the fallen to their feet, always help them stand

I am responsible to AA to do my part;

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Five hawks circled above Alfie’s fresh grave

Wings spread wide spiraling their earthbound glide,

Sent as Heaven’s escort saved for the brave

Bring this cool breeze home to Heaven to abide;

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Five hawks ascended with Alfie, home to bring

All headed skyward in azure and cirrus wisps

Alfie’s soul rose as the wind beneath their wing

Faithful birds to God’s finger, lofted through the mist.

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Alive strolls the spirit of Alfie Sharkey

Along the boards of Belmar at the Jersey Shore,

The Shoralon Club will miss this Trustee

John’s memory will serve to rescue more;

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Grieve not, as John is called to greater service

At the beckon of his higher power,

Believe, as did he, in God’s eternal purpose

Inhale the fragrance of heaven’s freshest flower.

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with love and respect,

Gerry Gilligan, a/k/a sligobay

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