David John Sherman

David John (“Coach”) Sherman, 85, of Punxsutawney and former long-time resident of Six Points, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in his home.

David was born in Butler, PA on January 7, 1938. He was the eldest son of the late Otto Davis Sherman and Rita Gerstner Sherman of Butler. As a young man he served mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Butler.

David was a proud United States Air Force Veteran serving as a radio mechanic in Seattle near the end of the Korean War. He loved having the American flag flying high in his front yard. 

David was a graduate of Butler High School and Slippery Rock College.  He began his career teaching English at Moniteau High School and later accepted a teaching position with A-C Valley High School, where he retired in 1998.  David often shared that he felt his love for reading and desire to be a teacher began with his childhood commitment to study and learn each word and definition in the dictionary. 

Although teaching was his primary career, his true passion was coaching and developing hidden talents in student athletes. His dedication to coaching was seen throughout the many sports he coached including cross country, elementary and jv/varsity basketball, football, and track & field. He was able to get the most out of his athletes and made sure each one of them contributed to the team effort while striving to do their individual best. His coaching made a lasting impression on the student athletes with whom he worked, and many still fondly remember his impact on their young lives. 

In his track & field coaching career, he helped many individual athletes become District champions and State medalists.  His team attained a District IX Team Championship in 1990. During his years coaching track & field, he was also instrumental in continuing the traditions of the A-C Valley Invitational and the Junior Olympics meet. Throughout his coaching career, Coach Sherman found a way to make sure his athletes had the right shoes to compete in their sports. If they had a will to compete, he made sure they had the means to do it.

Not only was David a lifetime coach but he was a true competitor. During his time at Moniteau, David was an avid runner who placed in numerous 10ks for his age group. He prepared for his races by running from home to school on a regular basis.  

David was also very active in his community, serving over the years as an Allegheny Township Supervisor, manager of the Emlenton Pool, and coach of the Emlenton Youth Baseball team.  

After moving to Punxsutawney, Coach Sherman had the privilege of working with his grandchildren helping to develop their natural talents in basketball, track & field, and tennis. 

In his retirement David enjoyed fishing, woodworking, gardening, and being an all-round handyman. He could name every plant, flower, tree, bird, or fish and loved enjoying nature at its best. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, occasionally making trips to New Mexico and Michigan for visits.  

David is survived by his wife, Donna Sedwick Sherman, whom he married on November 4, 1964 at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Butler, PA. 

He is also survived by two daughters Marjorie Sherman (Richard Popio) Midlothian, VA and Patricia Presloid (John) Punxsutawney, PA; two sons David B. Sherman (Lori) Foxburg, PA, and John F. Sherman (Kristen) Kalamazoo, MI; eight grandchildren:  Allison and Mia Sherman, Ethan, Chloe, and Evan Presloid, Elise, Isabelle, and David P. Sherman. Also surviving are his brothers James and Thomas and a sister Ellen all of Butler.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marjorie and Mary and a brother, Steven. 

A private funeral service officiated by long-time family friend, Rev. Charles Campbell, was held at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., Emlenton.  Military honors were accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard of Franklin.  Interment was in Scrubgrass Cemetery, Emlenton.

Contributions in Coach Sherman’s memory may be made payable to: “Shoes from Coach Sherm” and mailed to Farmers National Bank, 102 Indiana Street, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. To donate using a credit or debit card, please click the "Donation" tab above. Donations may also be made using Venmo at the username @Shoesfromcoachsherm

The fund is established in order to help student athletes in need purchase new shoes to participate in their sport. 

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

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