Sherman L. Reed, age 83, passed away on Monday, September 3, 2012 at Saint Vincent Health System, Erie, PA after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Sherman was born on August 10, 1929 in Grand River, Ohio son of the late Sherman L. Reed and Bessie Stalker Reed. He graduated from Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio in 1948 and then entered the US Navy, graduating from the US Naval Submarine School in 1949. Sherman married his high school sweet heart the former Margaret A. Rider while stationed in Hawaii on August 27, 1950.
Returning to Ohio, Sherm made a respected career of fire fighting beginning in 1956, retiring in 1980 as a Captain. While in that career, Sherm was presented with numerous honors and citations. Sherm and Marge did extensive traveling which they enjoyed very much before settling in Florida. In 1986 his love for fire fighting was rekindled when he joined the Key West Airport Fire Department Crash crew. In 1994, he and his wife made Mill Village their home and on March 27, 2008 she passed away. Sherman was an active member of Veterans of War Post # 169 of Venango.
Preceding Sherman in death in addition to his parents and his wife of 60 years, Marge, was an infant daughter – Sharla and a sister – Evelyn. Survivors include three daughters – Sherri Ann McIver and her husband, Peter; Suzanne M. Smith and her husband, Greg, and Sharlene K. Skiver and her husband, Randy; eleven grandchildren -Anthony, Nikki, Jason, Vincent, Leslie, Ben, Joseph, Adrianne, Jesse. Mae, and Katharine; and six great grandchildren.
Sherman was blessed in finding true love twice in his life time. He married Joanie on June 3, 2012. He dearly loved his new family which included four daughters -Debbie, Annie, Laurie, and Jennifer and a grand daughter – Abby.
Sherman was known for his wisdom and for his life long stories. Please smile with the family today knowing that he is on the way to heaven and for certain telling jokes as was his nature.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday 2-4 and 7-9. No other service is planned at this time. Memorial gifts may be given to Venango Veterans of War Post 169, 20628 Gospel Hill Road, Venango, PA 16440.
He taught me so much! Marlene Robinson
We haven’t known Mr. Reed for long, but in the short time since we became his neighbor, we had the privilege of meeting and talking with Sherman and his little “Sausage”.
We’ve been blessed to have known you Sir and you will be dearly missed. I only wish we had known sooner than now. We were not aware of your passing but always kept an eye out for you. Unfortunately our busy lives don’t always allow us to be there for each other as we would like.
We tried to be there to help out when we could. We never expected a thing in return but you always brought a box of chocolate for Jim and believe me, he ate every one.
Our prayers are with your family, your new wife and of course with Buddy.
God speed. Jim and Donna Smolko
Dear Joanie ,Charlie,Suzy and Sherry,
Well My Wonderful Uncle Sherm was always there for me , I will miss his stories and phone calls. He always told me he loved me when he said good bye.
My last visit to see him he made us cabbage rolls and shortcake ! He was so thoughtful and always sent us home with a box of special chocolates. I have many fond memories of Uncle Sherm and I will miss him very much.
Know that all of his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bye Uncle Sherm , I Love you . Lil Baba
Very sorry to hear of Sherm’s passing. He and Marge were wonderful in-laws to a young bride who knew nothing about life when I married Rich, her brother way back when. Jeff, Kelly and I have wonderful memories of loud family dinners around a table of laughing faces. Time and distance happen to us all but he was always so kind to talk to and reminisce about those good old days. Love to all, Linda Gerle
Dear Randy Charlie and family,
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you all here in the Keys. Randy and Charlie shared wonderful stories of Charlie’s Dad. Being from the western Pa area it brought back many memories of that area. God Bless you in this dificult time in your lives.
To the family of Sherm Reed:
We send our heartfelt sympathy at this very sad ime. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vern and Gai Fryer
Dear Sherry, Suzie and Charlie –
Sorry to hear of your loss –
Just remembering the “good old days” in the northend of Painesville – fond memories of your family.
Thinking of you –
Eve
Dear Joanie and all the families:
Gay and I were so sorry to learn of Sherm’s death today in our paper.
We have lost a very dear friend and co-worker. We have spent many good times at
the Fireman’s Ball with our very dear friend.
Please give our love to all the girl’s and especially you,Joanie.
It was so nice having breakfast with you and Sherm and also for bringing Gay back to the store.
It was so nice to see Sherm smiling and happy again.
God Bless and we love you.
My condolences to Sherm’s family. I knew Sherman when I was a rookie policeman in Painesville, OH and he was a leader in the fire department. His guidance and maturity was greatly appreciated….he was a good man.
Regards,
Darry Dunlap
Was saddened to hear of Sherm”s passing. He was a wonderful friend to many and a loving husband and father. The fire service of Painesville Ohio was very fortunate to have such a caring and great mentor to many. RIP.
Condolences to all of his family and friends.