MIDDLETON – Gilbert Earl Scharfenberger, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Gilbert and Dorothy (Weigand) Scharfenberger.

Earl was raised in Reading, OH and began his educational pursuits at Bowling Green State University, where he received his bachelor's degree. Earl later went on to obtain an M.A. from New York University, an M.A. from The New School for Social Research, and finally a Ph.D. in Political Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

With his love for education, Earl retired from Salem State University where he was a professor for over 35 years. While at Salem State University, he served as the Chair of the Political Science Department, was involved with the Bureau of Faculty Research, and also taught night courses through the Department of Continuing Education. Being a first generation college student himself, Earl's favorite part of being a professor was helping students pursue and achieve their educational goals.

Apart from teaching, Earl loved travel, photography, good food, and animals. His overseas adventures began when he spent two years in Turkey while serving with the Peace Corps in the 1960s. Years later he would return to Europe on vacations, always identifiable with his old manual Nikon camera hanging around his neck. While Earl enjoyed learning about cultures and people, it was "Friday Night Pizza Nights" at his home with friends and family that brought him the most joy throughout his life. It was the conversations, stories, and laughs around the oak table he built, or on the back porch watching the sunset, with good food and drinks where memories were created. As a resident of Middleton for over 50 years, he enjoyed watching town meetings and being up-to-date on local events.

Earl is survived by his 3 children; Krista Scharfenberger of Lawrence, MA, Hope Baker of Rochester, NY, and Adam Scharfenberger and his wife, Leah of Avon, CT, as well as his grand-dog Lola, and grand-cats Oliver, Lily, Henry, and Baby Girl.

ARRANGEMENTS: A private celebration of Earl's life will be held at a later date. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, donations in Earl's memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or online at www.northeastanimalshelter.org . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

MSPCA at Northeast Animal Shelter
347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970
Web: http://mspca.org/adoption-centers/northeast-animal-shelter/