Richard F. "Dick" Sherman
September 18, 1929 - March 27, 2019
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Richard F. "Dick" Sherman
September 18, 1929 - March 27, 2019
Obituary
Richard frank “dick” sherman, 89, of charleston, passed peacefully in his home on wednesday, march 27, 2019, beloved wife helen at his side. He was known as a brilliant, gentle, and humble man.
Ironically, his good physical health and intellect were confounded by the scourge of memory impairment due to alzheimer’s disease. Through god’s compassion, he succumbed to his end after 10 years of battling against loss of self, existing in his last days for those around him as he happily lived much of his life.
Dick was born on september 18, 1929, in denver, colo., to william louis and helene (mix) sherman, the middle child in a family of five. Dick recounted many stories of his self-assured teacher-mother, his hard-working farmer-father, and mischievous escapades he and brother john were often involved in.
Serving in the u.S. Army, it was during a leave with other enlisted men that he traveled to mexico city and met the love of his life, maria elena de jesus de garcia de alba, better known as helen. They enjoyed over 62 years of devotion in marriage. Helen and dick were married in mexico city and have made their home in charleston since 1963. He raised four children and was the proud papa of six grandchildren and one great – grandchild.
Dick was a chemical engineer and worked for e. I. Dupont his entire career, retiring as a supervisor from the belle plant in 1994. He loved living in the kanawha valley, and rejoiced in every “beautiful day in charleston!”
a faithful member of the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart, he promoted the vocations as a member of serra club and served as an rcia sponsor for converts to the faith. In everything he did, he was a model of christian love, seeing the best a person could be in anyone he encountered, the blessing of seeing through the gentle eyes of christ.
Foremost in his concern and action was the welfare of his family, providing materially and gently lending his wisdom, counsel, and encouragement to choose carefully, to work hard, and to enjoy leisure together. In turn, he earned their admiration, respect, and strong bonds of love.
Preceding him in death were his parents, william and helene; older brother, william “bill” sherman.
He is survived by his wife, helen g. Sherman of charleston, w.Va.; brother, john sherman of broomfield, colo.; brother, david sherman of new port richey, fla.; sister, lorretto sherman reifel of centennial, colo. Surviving children are jennie hill (greg), martinsburg, w.Va.; ritchard j sherman (colleen), collingswood, n.J.; betty newell (mike), apex, n.C.; mary s. wall, johns island, s.C.
Known and loved as papa by ethan, emily and adrienne sherman; mimi newell knight (trey) and zachary newell; and genie wall. The newest angel, elliana, will learn of greatpa by legend. Wwpd
sharing in our loss are nieces and nephews, neighbors, colleagues and fellow parishioners. Special gratitude to the many friends, neighbors, caregivers, and health professionals who made his continued time at home possible.
The family will accept condolences at visitation on sunday, march 31, from 4 to 6 p.M. At barlow bonsall funeral home, 1118 virginia st. E., charleston.
A funeral mass will be held at the basilica of the co – cathedral of the sacred heart, monday, april 1, at 11 a.M. With the rev. Father donald x. Higgs officiating.
in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart or kanawha hospice care.
You may send condolences to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com.
Barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
5 responses to Richard F. "Dick" Sherman
Bridget Bailey says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Dick Was My Supervisor When I Hired In At Dupont Years Ago
Location: Charleston West Virginia
Dear Helen, You Won’T Remember Me, But I Met You A Few Times At Dupont Functions. I Was So Sorry To Hear Of Dick’S Passing. He Is Remembered As A True Gentleman By His Friends At Dupont, And Many Shared This When News Of His Passing Was Communicated Within The Retirees – As Well, A Former Plant Manager Said How Much He Appreciated Dick’S Judgement And Guidance. For Myself, Coming From My Home In California, And Wanting To Live Near My Grandmother In Western Pa, I Took A Job With Dupont In Belle, And Dick Was My First Supervisor. He Was Truly A Gentleman, And I Am Grateful For The Guidance And Example He Set For A Young Person Just Starting Out, And On Through The Years. I Hope It Is Some Comfort To Know Also, That The Good He Expressed Is Enduring And Can Never Be Diminished By Any Sense Of Mortality. May You Feel The Peace Of God At This Easter Season, Bridget Bailey
Jose R Alvarez says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Dupont Friend
Location: Wimington Delaware
I Knew Dick From Dupont’S Belle Plant During The 1975-79 Years. Very Fond Memories Of My Interactions With Him. A Real Nice Human Being. And A Very Smart One Too.
Please Accept My Deepest Condolences At This Sad Time.
Beth Moore says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Alabama
May Fond Memories Of Richard Bring You Comfort During This Hard Time In Your Life. Look Back On All The Good Memories You Were Able To Have And Smile At The Fact That You Were Able To Share These. My Heart And Sympathies Go Out To You And Your Family.
Proverbs 10:7 The Memory Of The Righteous One Is Due For A Blessing.”
Something That Gives Us Great Comfort Is The Bible Truth That Death Is Not The Dot Or Period At The End Of A Sentence, But Rather The Comma Or Pause Because Our Dear Loved Ones Will Live Again. We Know That We Will See Our Loved Ones Again Because The Beautiful Promise Recorded At Revelation 21:4 “And He Will Wipe Out Every Tear From Their Eyes, And Death Will Be No More, Neither Will Mourning Nor Outcry Nor Pain Be Anymore.” What A Truly Special Day So Close At Hand To Be Able To Embrace Our Loved Ones Again!
John Myers says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Former Member Of Dick’S Environmental Group
Location: Taylors South Carolina
Dick Was A Great Boss And Mentor.
Colleen says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Broomfield Colorado
I Admired Your Dad In An Instant Of Meeting Him. I Met Him As A Child And Young Adult And He Always Had A Nice Smile, Which Emanated Intelligence. I Thought He And Helen Were Special People That Loved Their Family Deeply! I Send Deepest Condolences To Jennie, Ritch, Betty, Mary And Helen For This Big Loss. God Comfort And Bless You All Through The Processing Of The Grief. Love You All, Cousin Colleen