Sharkett, Adrian, 1879-1965, Capuchin priest

Early Life and Academic Formation
Adrian Sharkey was born Hubert Sharkey on 25 March 1879 in County Sligo. He received his primary education within the local National School system. Following the completion of his secondary education, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in 1896. His philosophical and theological preparation was completed at the order’s houses of study in Cork and Kilkenny. He was ordained to the priesthood on 17 September 1903, at the Holy Trinity Church in Cork. The subsequent year was dedicated to advanced ecclesiastical studies in Louvain, Belgium.

Missionary Assignments and Pastoral Leadership
In 1915, Father Sharkey was assigned to the American Capuchin Mission, embarking upon fifty years of ministry across the United States:

• Bend, Oregon: Initial assignment to the Pacific Northwest mission field in 1915.
• Roseburg, Oregon: Transferred locally to continue parochial ministry.
• Lincoln, Nebraska: Appointed to his first pastorate.
• Los Angeles, California: Appointed Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in 1934.
• Ukiah, California: Transferred to serve as Pastor of St. Mary's Church from 1937 until 1940.

Administrative Governance and Chaplaincy
In 1940, Father Sharkey shifted into administrative leadership upon his election as Consultor to the Custos Provincial of the Irish Capuchins in America. He served continuously in this governance capacity for nearly a decade, concluding his term in 1949. Following his administrative tenure, he returned to Oregon in 1949 to serve as Chaplain to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Roseburg, providing pastoral care to hospitalized military veterans.

Father Sharkey passed away in Roseburg on 22 June 1965. He is buried in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Roseburg, Oregon.