H.F. Sharp, 93, liquor license broker

Herbert F. Sharp
Herbert F. Sharp
By Sally Downey, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: July 06, 2012

Herbert F. Sharp, 93, of Center City, who brokered liquor licenses in Pennsylvania for more than 60 years, died Tuesday, June 5, of heart failure at home.

Mr. Sharp grew up in West Philadelphia and Wynnefield. After graduating from Overbrook High School, he earned a real estate license and eventually became a real estate and insurance broker. By the 1940s, he was providing services to clients who wanted to serve alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars.

He earned a reputation among lawyers and licensees as an expert in state Liquor Control Board rules and regulations, his daughter Natalie Bernstein said.

Since 1945, Mr. Sharp had been married to Miriam Schonwetter Sharp. They met at a Hadassah dance. He always said it was "love at first sight," she said.

Mr. Sharp and his wife were partners in his brokerage business in Center City until they retired two years ago.

He was still getting calls from customers asking his advice, his wife said. He was honest and professional and cared about the well-being of other people, she said.

For 65 years, Mr. Sharp was an active member of the Hackenberg-Mt. Moriah Lodge of the Masons in Philadelphia.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by another daughter, Diana Levy; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral was Friday, June 8, at Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Raphael-Sacks Memorial Chapel in Philadelphia. Burial was in Har Nebo Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Contact Sally A. Downey at 215-854-2913 or sdowney@phillynews.com.

Index by Keyword
|
Index by Date
|
About Philly.com
|
Contact Us
|
Terms of Use & Privacy Statement
|
Copyright 2013