Sharpe, Denise (Nelly Denise Schnelli)
Denise Sharpe (Nelly Denise Schnelli), of Albuquerque, NM passed away peacefully on September 15, 2016, just shy of her 94th birthday.
Denise is survived by her children, Salvatore Baragiola and wife, Lynn of Albuquerque, NM; Luana Mansfield also of Albuquerque; and stepdaughter Michelle Earle of Sandwich, MA; her five grandchildren; Salvatore Jr. and Erin Baragiola, Lindsay and Lauren Mansfield, and Misty Adamsey.; She is preceded in death by her husband, Salvatore Baragiola; her son, Rick Sharpe; and daughter, Kathy Adamsey, all of Albuquerque, NM; and her parents, Anton and Frieda Schnelli.
Denise was born in October 1922 in Switzerland immigrating to the United States with her mother, Freida Schnelli in 1927. At the age of 16, Denise opened and operated her own diner in Hoboken, NJ. She was the first woman in the state of New York to own a liquor license. She loved the hospitality industry owning several bars, hotels, and restaurants during her life. She was well known in the sales and catering industry in Albuquerque. She married Salvatore Baragiola and the pair traveled extensively in pursuit of his career as a professional wrestler. Denise welcomed and devoted herself to four children, who travelled with her and Salvatore, who spent their childhood ringside. Her surviving children remember her as a hardworking, professional and dedicated woman who always lived in the moment and never complained or judged. She was rich with memories, advice, stories and jokes.
In addition to her career, Denise enjoyed playing pinochle at Bear Canyon Senior Center and spent many summers instructing water aerobics classes at The Meadows, where she happily lived for over 15 years.
Denise passed away peacefully with family by her side during her last moment. She died as she lived; with undeniable class and grace. She will be remembered for her loving nature, her witty sarcasm and jokes, her love for her cats and grandchildren, and her neverending positive spirit.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned in the near future.