Roscoe T. Sharer
Roscoe T. Sharer was the third generation of Alliance’s pioneer family to carry on the business of the Sharer Funeral Home and Furniture Store. Roscoe was one of the first morticians to purchase a stately home to accommodate funeral services and embalming. Funerals and the science of embalming were always held at the family home, a common practice of funeral services in America at that time. With the downsizing of American homes and with the increase of embalming practices, morticians all across the nation were seeking large old homes to better accommodate funerals and embalming.

Held Several State Offices
Roscoe was known throughout the nation in fraternal circles. He served as President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association in 1924, the state organization which his father John H. Sharer had formed. Roscoe also served as state President of the Ohio Elks Association in 1900. In 1907-08, he was installed as Exalted Ruler of the Alliance local lodge, # 467.

Former City Safety Director
Roscoe had always been civic minded and was a former Safety Director for the City of Alliance. In his younger days, he attended Mt. Union College and played the slide trombone in the Alliance City Band. He toured the country with the Canton Grand Army Band when it campaigned for McKinley. He was also known around the country for his roles in Shakespearean plays.

A Famous Orator
Mr. Roscoe Sharer was an orator of old school, perhaps the last of his eloquent appeal in this section of the country. His impelling voice and commanding manner embellished many ritualistic services and he was in wide demand as a speaker on every type of public gathering. He was often asked to officiate many funeral services, which were under his direction at his funeral home.

Upon his death, Roscoe’s widow, Hazel Sharer, continued the business until the mid 1960’s.
Roscoe T. Sharer
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Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home
1000 South Union Avenue • Alliance, OH 44601 • Phone: 330823-2159 • Fax: 330-823-0503