Mr. Charles Bert Sherman

August 23, 1931 - November 27, 2013

Charles Bert Sherman, 82, of St. James City, Pine Island, FL (formerly of Cortland, NY), passed away with his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Vandonsel), by his side on the 27th of November. Charles was born in Homer, NY to Bert and Harriet Sherman. Charles 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. Chuck 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. Charles 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. Charles was a communicant of St. Mary's of Cortland N.Y., and at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Pine Island, FL. He managed the social club, Knights of Columbus of Cortland, and served as their Grand Knight. He also belonged to the Cortland American Legion, Post 0489. Charles is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Valerie Wood, his siblings; Celia Mullen, Loretta Eckel, 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. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, his son; Nicholas, brothers & sisters; Charlotte (Fred) Bosworth, Sarah (Robert) Sharp, Christine (Edward) Hatter, George (Shirley), William (Bonnie), Robert, John (Joyce), and Richard (Dianne) brother in law; Dr. John Eckel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Cortland, N.Y. with Rev. Joseph Zareski serving as celebrant. Prayers of committal will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Cortland, N.Y. The family will be present to receive friends on Monday from 5-7 p.m. in the chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045 In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Mary's Parochial 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