Obituary of Dale J. Sherman

WESTFIELD-Dale J."Father Bear" Sherman, 86, of Clark Street, Westfield, NY, died Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at St. Vincent Health Center, in Erie, Pa.. Dale was born December 10, 1926 in Portland, NY ; a son of the late Frank and Tweeneth (Jones) Sherman. A 1945 graduate of Westfield School, Dale had worked for several local businesses before enlisting in the Army and served during the WW II, Korean, and Vietnam wars. Dales' love for the military was evident because he re-enlisted 4 additional times to serve his country. He had worked as a Support Officer for the Department of Probation until his retirement in 1992 but continued to utilize his gifted mechanical abilities and worked for Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, maintaining all of their equipment. Dale was also was a well rounded Volkswagen mechanic with the ability to fix any VW around. He loved building 1/4 scale size airplanes utilizing just about any available living space in his home. But most of all, Dale loved his family and spending time at home. Survivors include the love of his life, his wife of 20 years, Antoinette ( Conti) Sherman ,whom he married on November 6, 1992 in Marietta, Georgia, his three daughters, Katherine Sidner of Georgia, Diane Berentes of New Jersey, and Stacey Bafaro of Canada, and his one son, Mark Lobell of Pennsylvania. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive. Dale was preceded in death by his sisters, Verna Lobell, Lorena Confer, Eleanor Dalrymple and by his brothers, Duane and Fred Sherman. Friends may call on Sunday, January 20th, 2013 from 2pm - 5pm at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY, and are invited to attend the funeral service there on Monday, January 21st at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark Teets officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, 61 Academy Street, Westfield, New York 14787. To send Dales family a message of sympathy, log on to masonfuneral.com.