Joseph Sharpe, 75, of Chicago, Illinois, passed on January 22, 2023. Joseph was born on January 22, 1948 at Cook County hopsital to Joseph Sharpe Sr. and Frances Sharpe. His siblings include his sisters Gloria, Lorraine and Regina Sharpe, and one brother Clifford Sharpe. Joseph who is known by all as "Hollywood" attended DooLittle Elementary School and Dunbar High school. After Gradutaing from high school Hollywood joined the Navy and fought during the Vietnam War. Upon his retirement from the Navy hollywood returned to Chicago, Il and worked in construction.

In the early 1970's Hollywood met Vernice Johnson and during their relationship they had one child, a daughter, Dychea Johnson. A few years later Hollywood would meet Monica Grampton and they had a son, Kinte Grampton. Hollywood would then meet and marry Pamela Sharpe and during their 3 year relationship they had two children Joseph Sharpe Jr. and Garbielle Sharpe.

Hollywood lived his life the way he wanted to live it. He would open his door to anyone who needed a place to stay, he would give his last to anyone who asked without regard for his own needs. And this is a trait his children have all carried with them. Hollywood's favorite saying is we may weeble, we may wobble, but we don't fall down"! He built his children to be strong and independent, and he made sure that they all knew that they are "just as pretty as he was" . Hollywood would always say he came out his mama fine and nobody could tell him different. Hollywood was confident, funny, and charismatic, andone who spent time with him would end up laughing the majority of they time they were wqith him.

After his retirement and divorce Hollywood moved into an assisted living community where he spent many years assisting staff with events. Making great friends who he could help to physician appointments, run errands for, and hep with any needs they may have had. Hollywood met a special friend whom he loved names Andrea who preceeded him in death. He spent as much time as he could making her life enjoyable and easy.

Many of he staff considered him family and enjoyed spending time with him as well. Hollywood enjoyed Bingo, Dominos, and he absolutely loved listening to music and singing. His youngest daughter Gabrielle worked at this same retirement community and was able to spend lots of time with him and he enjoyed that very much. Gabrielle "Gabby Gabby" as he lovingly called her was a daily reminder of love and enjoyment in his life.

Hollywood, the life of any room he walked into transitioned on his 75th Birthday while sleeping peacefully. Our family can rest knowing that he lived his life the way he wanted to live it. And that he was so happy that he was able to spend time with all his children before he transistioned. We are at peace knowing that when he closed his eyes, he had a smile on his face anticipating his birthday and all the wonderful things that were to come. While we the family were not physically able to share that moment, we know for sure that there were many on the other side waiting to take his hand and celebrate his new journey with him.

Hollywood leaves to chersih his memory his four children, Dychea, Kinte, Joseph, and Gabrielle, 10 grandchildren who love him and will miss him dearly, family, friends, and anyone who came across him. His light will continue to shine on through his family and his legacy will continue on through his children and grandchildren fa ily and friends. 

We will continue to celebrate his life....

My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you –
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you’ll always stay.

By Unknown