Vincent M. Sherman

Vincent M. Sherman, 92, lifelong Rockford resident, died on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 in his home with his family by his side. Vince was born May 4, 1929 to Charles and Josephine Giangroso Sherman, graduated from West High School and served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He married Lita Ferri on September 1, 1952 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and lived out his days with Lita and their family.
Vince was a fun, kind man who lived a full life. Everyone who knew Vince loved him; he was someone who would do whatever he could to help you or make you laugh. He started his own business in 1964, Vince’s Ceramic Tile & Slate, had great success, and retired in 1991. Family was everything to Vince. He loved hosting pasta dinners on Sundays and prided himself on making Christmas extra special with surprises in every closet. He loved to fish, watch his “westerns,” and listen (sing) to Frank Sinatra. He had a competitive spirit and was an avid golfer playing every day until he was 90! He got a hole in one twice and won the senior golf tournament several times. Vince also loved to play bocce ball and shared that passion with everyone. He even built the original bocce court and started the bocce tournament at Festa Italiana. He was also very active at the St. Ambrogio Club. He played bocce there every week, served as the club president 3 times, and began several fundraisers that are still standing today.
Vince is survived by his family that loved him deeply; his wife, Lita Ferri Sherman; daughter, Debra Zander; son, Charles Sherman (Lisa Nardiello); grandchildren, Chad Zander, Jamie Zander-Tarara (Sal Tarara), Natalie Zander, Amy Sherman and Olivia Sherman; great-grandson, Stefani Vicenzio Tarara and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, Charles and Josephine Sherman; brothers Tony (Jackie) Sherman, Joseph (Shirley) Sherman, Sam (Marie) Sherman; sister, Dorothy Hendricks; parents- in-law, Ercole (Ada) Ferri and brother-in-law, Dan Ferri.
Vince’s family would like to give a special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice and caregivers, Rani Chadwick and Lori Bellone for the compassionate care they gave to Vince in his final days. Also, special thanks to the loving, supportive friends who were there for Vince and his family throughout this journey: Steven Zander, Paul Saporiti, Sean Connelly, and Tia Pearson.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. and from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Monday. To send condolences and share memories go to www.fitzgeraldfh.com.