Kathleen Joan (DeFlorio) Sharp

Kathleen Joan (DeFlorio) Sharp, age 74 of Knoxville, TN, passed away after a long battle with dementia on October 20, 2022. Kathleen was preceded in death by parents Dominick J. and Joan (O’Brien) DeFlorio. She is survived by daughters Ami Sharp of TN and Diana Sanders of MN; sisters Paula (David) Sullivan and Donna DeFlorio, both of NY; brothers Dominick (Gretchen) DeFlorio of TX and Chuck (Melanie) DeFlorio of AZ. Kathleen is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her Aunt Philomena Russo.

In early life, Kathleen lived in Altamont, NY and graduated from GCHS. After graduating, she furthered her education advancing to a secretarial position with a government office. She focused the rest of her energy on raising her two daughters and making sure they had every opportunity available to reach their full potential as successful, independent individuals. She finished her career in Tennessee, continuing her work with the federal government.

Abundant spunk, energy and a larger-than-life presence are things that come to mind for anyone who knew Kathleen (Kathy), no matter how brief or long. If Kathy was not dancing to Motown or rock ‘n’ roll, she was moving quickly to clean a house, paint it from top to bottom, clear an overgrown section of land, whip up a full course meal and clean a kitchen or clear out an entire building of people if something angered her; possibly all in the same day.

She embraced the less fortunate and rescued cats, dogs and helped many people experiencing houselessness in Tennessee. Her compassion and charity were never ending, including a focus on Native American organizations in need. Members of her family and communities will always reflect on her briskly walking her dog all over town and her dancing up and down the hallways and singing.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Knoxville, TN on November 5, 2022, at Holston Hills River Park, Shelter #1 from 12 to 5.   Another Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in or near her hometown of Albany, NY.