David Carlton Sharp, 72, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, passed away on November 4, 2025.

David was born on December 17, 1952, to Carlton and Jean Furr at Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. At 14 months old, David contracted polio. As a result, he spent most of his early years at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas receiving treatment. David’s father was tragically killed in an auto accident in 1961. Jean later married Dale Sharp, a Russian linguist in the Air Force. Dale adopted both David and his sister, Carla.

After graduating from Bowie High School in Maryland, David went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Houston in Texas. David began his career as a social worker at TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) in Houston, where he met Lisa Bennett, a nurse. The two married in 1982 and later moved from Texas to North Carolina. Though their marriage ended, they shared two daughters and remained supportive co-parents throughout their lives.

David’s professional life reflected his deep compassion and lifelong commitment to helping others, particularly those with disabilities. He served as a family counselor at the Camp Lejeune Family Center in North Carolina and later worked with various charitable organizations—supporting causes ranging from wildlife conservation to helping individuals with disabilities obtain equipment that fostered independent living. After moving to Virginia, he combined his creativity, love of baking, and entrepreneurial spirit by founding David Sharp’s Gourmet Pies & Cheesecakes.

A hobbyist craftsman in his younger years, David enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, with some of his handmade pieces remaining in his family’s possession. He was also an enthusiastic sailor and active participant in US Sailing’s Adaptive Sailing Initiative, which facilitates sailing experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Upon settling in Montgomery Village, David became an active member of the Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene. His dedication to advocacy continued as he was appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley to the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council, where he served as chair for more than six years. In 2016, he was honored by the Council for his leadership, years of service, and unwavering commitment to promoting independence and accessibility for all.

David will be remembered for his humor, generous spirit, and devotion to empowering others. He is survived by his sister, Carla; his daughters, Lara and Jennifer; their mother, Lisa; his former stepson, David Curtin; three grandchildren; and his great-grandson.

A celebration of life will take place at Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene on Friday, December 5th at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation to the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (https://marylandsilc.org/dona…) or to the Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene (https://www.gaithersburgnazar…) to honor the memory of David Sharp.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/david-sharp/obituary/

Copy