Sharkey (Jack) is born in Binghamton, New York.

The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Jack Sharkey serves in the U.S. Navy, comes to Boston to in 1925, and becomes a professional boxer, training at the Friend Street Gym. Called “The Boston Gob,” and described by sportswriters as “an adopted Bostonian,” he wins the heavyweight championship in 1932,* and 38 of 55 professional fights. After retiring, he operates Sharkey’s Ringside Tavern at 166 Causeway Street until 1954. He dies in Beverly on August 17, 1994.