Jeffrey P. Scharoun

Jeffrey Scharoun, age 65 passed away on July 30, 2026 in Albany New York after being diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer two weeks earlier.

He was a graduate of Hudson Valley community college with degrees in both refrigeration and heating, and electrical circuitry. He retired in 2025 after working 30 years as an electrician in mechanical operations at CSX railroad in Selkirk.

Jeff was a confirmed bachelor. He called himself a "weekend warrior". He liked a cold Heineken, his fishing rods, boat, motorcycles, and garage full of tools and projects. He looked forward to outings with his friends, chilling to Neil Young music (hey hey my my ) and waking up to heavy metal music (sleep with one eye open ). He often used quotes from songs and TV shows to describe a situation. He had nicknames for his family and loved it when his nicknames stuck - Dad(Pops, Willie), Mary (Murray, Nite-Mare), Dan (Dan-O, Dan the Man)., Peter (Redman). Jeff also had a nickname "Jeffreyner", eventually shortened to Freener, until the day Dad mistakenly called him "Weiner". After that Jeff always got birthday cards with pictures af weiner dogs, weiner bbqs and other references to that nickname.

Our family all can recite the story of how Jeff became mom's favorite At age 8, he was struck by a car and almost died. He started crying in the hospital when his eyes swelled shut, saying " I can't see my mommy". My mother said her heart just swelled and after that there was always an excited fuss whenever my mother saw Jeff. And Jeff would turn to us and say, "I'm the baby gotta love me." (a quote from the dinosaurs TV show.)

In later years after mom died, Jeff and Dad became inseparable Jeff would be the one taking Dad to his medical appointments, haircuts, attending events at the USS Slater where Dad volunteered, and driving dad to pray at mom's grave followed by dads favorite fish fry lunch. Jeff gave up boating on weekends just so he could keep Dad company when his Caregiver was not there, he did not want dad to be alone.

During his last days in the hospital, Jeff was asked if he wanted a priest to come. His answer was no, saying "I learned long ago that I don't like the feeling of having a guilty conscience. My conscience is clear". Many of Jeff's neighbors and friends will attest to Jeff's kindness to them. Jeff shared his home for six months with a friend that lost his job. He would fix neighbors cars, shovel driveways, give them rides when needed, forgive a loan, let them borrow tools, talk to the outcast, offer encouragement. Jeff's tenants were often people that were having difficulty and Jeff gave them a chance.

Our family all called on Jeff when house repairs were needed, he was the Jack of all trades. Jeff also could keep his cool in a crisis situation. Jeff would help his brother Dan, who suffered from long-Covid anxiety issues, and take him for drives, stay with him in the hospital, and even set up a bedroom for him in his home. Jeff also considered Ariana Butler to be part of his family, and saw himself as a parental role model for her. It was very important to Jeff that Ariana be able to overcome the obstacles in her life and be successful. He attended her school events, took her to appointments and gave her the financial and emotional support he felt she needed.

No one could ever fill Jeff's shoes with all that he has done for us. We had an angel in our mist and didn't recognize it.

Jeff is survived by his father William M Scharoun age 103, his sister Mary Ellen Crandall (Rick Butler), brother William Peter Scharoun (Lynn), and his "dear little friend" Ariana Butler, along with nieces, nephews, cousins longtime neighbors, and lifetime friends, He was predeceased by his mother Geraldine T (Nolan) Scharoun, brothers James M Scharoun and Daniel P Scharoun.

Jeff accepted his diagnosis with calmness, saying "I don't like it, but it is what it is". He viewed death as " we are all energy, and I believe our energy changes upon death. What happens after that I guess I'll find out".

His request was to have no funeral services, stating he did not want his family to have that burden. His ashes will be scattered at his favorite fishing spot. He asked that donations in his name be made to the Humane Society

Friends and family are welcome to write commentary on this site about times spent with Jeff and/or how he helped them or made them laugh. A Memorial service for Jeff may be planned at a later date.