Funeral arrangements for fallen Wethersfield firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr., who died in a utility task vehicle crash while working at the brush fire in Berlin on Tuesday, are set.
The 66-year-old veteran firefighter died when the UTV he was riding in rolled over on a trail up Lamentation Mountain. Three other firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Sharkevich is remembered as a husband to Joanne Sharkevich, a father of four, a grandfather of two and a longtime community servant. A firefighter known to many as simply “Sharky,” he was with the Hartford Fire Department for 25 years before becoming a member of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department for the last 22 years. He was also currently working with Wethersfield Public Schools as a carpenter and maintainer.
Officials honor CT firefighter killed in UTV crash as crews continue to battle brush fire in Berlin
“Robert was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, Papa, Godfather, friend, and community volunteer,” his obituary reads. “He was known for his caring nature, unwavering love for his family, and his unforgettable sense of humor. Robert will forever be remembered as a true hero who always put others before himself.”
The Wethersfield Police Department escorted Sharkevich from the Connecticut Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday to the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, located at 34 Beaver Road in Wethersfield.
“Robert’s legacy of selflessness, courage, and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him,” his obituary reads. “He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Wethersfield community. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.”
A wake is planned for Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home. Following the wake, a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, located at 140 Farmington Ave. in Hartford.
Starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the east side northbound traffic lane on the Silas Deane Highway will be closed off from Wells Road to the north side of Beaver Road, according to the Wethersfield Police Department.
Wethersfield police are asking the public to park at the Corpus Christi School, Bank of America or Rite Aid Pharmacy on Silas Deane Highway for the wake.
Police will have traffic assistance at the north Beaver Road crosswalk. A crosswalk is also available at the intersection of Silas Deane Highway and Wells Road, police said.
The northbound and southbound traffic on Silas Deane Highway will be closed from the Hartford city line to Wells Road at 10 a.m. on Monday, Wethersfield police said, and will last for approximately one hour before the roadway re-opens.
Beginning around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, the following roadways in Wethersfield will be closed until 2 p.m. for the return of the funeral procession:
- Ridge Road (Hartford city line to Prospect Street)
- Prospect Street at Ridge Road
- Griswold Road at Prospect Street
- Griswold Road at Maple Street
- Maple Street at Gilbert Avenue
The Wethersfield Police Department is asking the public to avoid the area on both days, as there will be significant traffic delays until approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday and 2 p.m. on Monday.
“The Wethersfield Police Department would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support during this difficult time,” the department said in a release on Friday.
The Hartford Police Department said it is anticipating large crowds for the funeral, but no roads are expected to be closed, according to Lt. Aaron Boisvert.
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph has around 180 parking spots but fills up quickly, according to Hartford Knights of Columbus member Mike McGarry, but the church utilizes other lots nearby for additional parking during large events. McGarry said volunteer parking attendants from the Knights of Columbus will be there in bright yellow vests directing attendees to parking spaces. The cathedral seats around 1,800 people.
“The secret to getting a good parking spot, come early,” McGarry said. “I’m going to guess there will be well over 1,000 people in attendance, but we’ve done this before and we’re used to it. Look for yellow-vested Knights of Columbus volunteers to direct you where to park because we will be using nearby lots along with the church lot.”
According to Wethersfield Public Schools Superintendent Michael Emmett, the district will be closed on Monday for the funeral.
Sharkevich will be buried at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill.
Sharkevich’s sister, Karen Letizio, has also created a GoFundMe to support his wife and four children. As of Thursday afternoon, over $53,000 has been raised.
“This fundraiser will help support the family in covering higher education costs,” the GoFundMe says.
According to the GoFundMe, it was Sharkevich’s wish that his two children who are currently seniors in high school enroll in college after graduation.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
