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Charles Bert Sherman

Charles Bert Sherman, 82, of St. James City, (formerly of Cortland, N.Y.), passed away with his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Vandonsel), by his side on Nov. 27. 2013. He was born in Homer, N.Y., to Bert and Harriet Sherman.

He was enthusiastic about the sport of boxing and earned the Golden Gloves by fighting in Syracuse, N.Y., and while serving in the Army. After his discharge from active duty, he continued to serve in the Army Reserves for several years.

As a young couple, Charles and Patricia owned and operated the Sherman Family Restaurant in Dryden, N.Y. from 1960-67. He was a carpenter by trade, belonging to Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, Local #277 until his retirement.

He played many string instruments and was known best for his guitar playing and singing.

He will be remembered most for his big smile, entertaining countless gatherings with his music and extraordinary wit. He enjoyed camping, hunting, raising beagles and playing horseshoes with his brothers, friends and family.

Mr. Sherman was a communicant of St. Mary’s of Cortland ,N.Y., and at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Pine Island. He managed the social club, Knights of Columbus of Cortland, and served as its Grand Knight. He also belonged to the Cortland American Legion, Post 0489.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Valerie Wood; his siblings, Celia Mullen, Loretta Eckel and David (Michelle) Sherman; sister-in-law, Bonnie Sherman; his grandchildren, Lisa Sherman Bustamante, Terry Manderville, Haley, Jessie, Daniel and Joel Sherman, Jason Wood, CPT Rosemary Citizen, Sarah Lockwood; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Nicholas; brothers and sisters, Charlotte (Fred) Bosworth, Sarah (Robert) Sharp, Christine (Edward) Hatter, George (Shirley), William (Bonnie), Robert, John (Joyce) and Richard (Dianne); and brother-in-law, Dr. John Eckel.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Cortland, N.Y., with the Rev. Joseph Zareski serving as celebrant. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Cortland, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Parochail School 61 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045

Arrangements are under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y., 13045; www.riccardifuneralhome.com