Jeffrey P. Scharoun

Jeffrey Scharoun, 65, passed away on July 30, 2026, in Albany following a courageous battle with stage IV esophageal cancer.

Jeff graduated from Hudson Valley Community College with degrees in refrigeration and heating and electrical circuitry. He worked for 30 years as an electrician in mechanical operations at CSX Railroad in Selkirk before retiring in 2025.

A self-described "weekend warrior" and confirmed bachelor, Jeff enjoyed fishing, boating, motorcycles, Heineken, and working on countless projects in his garage. He treasured outings with friends and loved listening to everything from Neil Young to heavy metal. Jeff often used lyrics and lines from television shows to describe a situation. He also enjoyed giving his family nicknames, and was especially pleased when they stuck. These included "Pops" and "Willie" for his father, "Murray" and "Nite-Mare" for Mary, "Dan-O" and "Dan the Man" for Dan, and "Redman" for Peter.

Jeff's family often fondly recalled the story of how he became his mother's favorite. When Jeff was eight years old, he was struck by a car and nearly died. While hospitalized, his eyes became swollen shut, and he began to cry, saying, "I can't see my mommy." Those words touched his mother's heart, and from that day forward, there was always an excited fuss whenever she saw him. Jeff delighted in the attention and would turn to his siblings and jokingly say, "I'm the baby, gotta love me," borrowing a line from the television show Dinosaurs.

Above all, Jeff will be remembered for his generous heart and unwavering devotion to others. He shared a particularly close bond with his parents and was his father's constant companion, taking him to appointments, haircuts, events aboard the USS Slater, and visits to his mother's grave, often followed by his father's favorite fish fry. Jeff willingly gave up weekends on the water to ensure his father was never alone.

Jeff was the person family, friends, and neighbors could always depend upon. Whether repairing a car, shoveling a driveway, lending tools, offering a ride, opening his home, or simply providing encouragement, he quietly helped others without expecting anything in return. He was especially devoted to his brother Dan during his struggles with long COVID and considered Ariana Butler part of his family, supporting and encouraging her from a young age. Jeff's kindness and generosity touched countless lives, and his shoes can never be filled.

Jeff is survived by his 103-year-old father, William M. Scharoun; his sister, Mary Ellen Crandall (Rick Butler); his brother, William Peter Scharoun (Lynn); his "dear little friend," Ariana Butler; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, longtime neighbors, and lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his mother, Geraldine T. (Nolan) Scharoun, and his brothers, James M. Scharoun and Daniel P. Scharoun.

In accordance with Jeff's wishes, there will be no funeral services. His ashes will be scattered at his favorite fishing spot. A memorial gathering may be planned at a later date. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Jeff, including the many ways he helped others and brought laughter into their lives-through the online condolence section.