Sherman the man, the myth and the legend, a loved member of our small community passed in Buffalo at the age of 81. Sherman can be remembered as the only person in town that wore shorts year-round. Obviously impervious to the cold which must have come from his hockey playing days when he was reputed to be on the 1980 Olympic team as a sub. Sherman always had a kind word for everyone, which at times became too many words, but kind none the less always kind. His signature 5 finger salute often
accompanied a few more words with his great smile.
Sherman enjoyed life to the fullest, whether golfing or sitting in his favorite stool at Balloons heckling the band with his signature vodka on the rocks in hand. Of course, he had his own special candle glass used to maximize the pour. His favorite band, the Strangers, would do a shout out to the “mayor of Ellicottville” regularly. No, Sherman was not the mayor but spent 11 years on the Village board as a trustee for two mayors He retired reluctantly when he moved to Great Valley where he enjoyed the country living as well as the Pub and Katy’s Fly Inn both of which were within walking distance. Ellicottville’s chief ambassador you could find him at the Gin Mill for Wednesday Wings and Wagner with a his own shout out request to play the Marshall Tucker Band.
Sherman was truly a big music fan and even put pen to paper with his “Beat on the Street” column in the Villager. Sherm captured the essence of Ellicottville’s music scene every week and then made it to most venues to see the groups live. He was also known to travel far and wide to see Little Feat or Marshall Tucker or any of his other favs. Sherman was also known for his hospitality. Weekly he made a Monday Meat Loaf night for the Ladies Golf widowers. This was a special gourmet event featuring his secret recipe meat loaf. Many a fond memory comes from that enjoyable evening when he would surprise guests with his special gourmet pizza. Believe me both were great!
There was another side of Sherman that was not known by many as he rarely spoke about it. Sherman ran the local Salvation Army Kettle drive in Ellicottville for years. His neighbors and bar owners will never forget his weekly can and bottle collecting that helped fund the Food Pantry anf Battered woman’s shelter for years. He collected, cleaned and brought them in for the redemption with all the funds going to their support. He also helped form the Foundation for Youth and Family Support to fill the hole left by closure of the ECS Family Support Center and the Kettle drive in Ellicottville. This Foundation which became the Bob
McCarthy Foundation continues to help his favorites causes along with many new programs. Sherman truly had a heart of gold and always had a plan to improve the lives of those less fortunate.
Godspeed, Sherman, we will all miss you and know that your memory will inspire all who knew you.