Aaron J. Cheerman, 68, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2013 at Saint Francis Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born on January 1, 1945 in Meriden, Aaron was the loving son of the late Abraham and Ida (Hollander) Cheerman. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Sylvia (Gutterman) Cheerman and by his family; daughter Deborah of New York City; daughter Lorie Zackin and her husband Mark and their two children Ari and Eliana of West Hartford; sisters Ruth Zuckerman of Meriden and Rosilyn Becker and her husband Jack of Lake Worth, FL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Aaron was predeceased by his sister Ann Scheer. After graduating Platt High in 1963, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the start of the Vietnam War, where he served with the 6th Marine Regiment (A Special Operation Capable Unit). In the summer of 1964, Aaron was assigned to The Marine Barracks at the United States Naval Academy as a weapons instructor for first year Midshipmen. In September of 1964 he participated in training exercises in Spain and Portugal called Steel Spike 1 and other support operations. Aaron was Honorably Discharged early from active duty in the Marine Corps in 1965 due to a physical disability and is considered a Vietnam Era Veteran with full honors. In recent years Aaron served the US Marine Corps League as a former editor of their newsletter and as a member of the Honorary Military Order of the Devil Dogs. In 2007 Aaron was appointed the group’s National Budget Committee Chairman and was selected Marine Corps League’s Hardware City Detachment Marine of the Year in 2008. He was a member of the Honor Guard at funerals of our fallen soldiers. Aaron had been in the sewing machine business for over 40 years and was highly regarded as an honest, fair and charismatic businessman and an authority in the sewing machine industry. His career started in 1965 and in 1975 he established Manchester Sewing Machine Center, which developed the largest loyal customer base in New England and produced the largest educational programs in the industry. With his business management skills and love of people, Aaron’s role in the community extended well beyond that of business owner. He remained active in civic responsibilities and shared his knowledge with many groups and organizations. He was a member of the Home Sewing Association, SDTA, Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. Aaron received numerous outstanding achievement awards from the sewing machine industry, including being inducted into the 2004 Vacuum & Sewing Hall of Fame. He was also appointed to President Bush’s Small Business Advisory Council. Aaron was a longstanding member of Temple Beth Sholom (Beth Shalom B’nai Israel) and was a past president of B’nai B’rith Charter Oak Lodge. Aaron touched and enriched the lives of many and he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, compassion, charisma, zestfulness and valor. Semper Fi! Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 11th at 10:30 a.m. at Beth Sholom B’nai Israel at 400 Middle Turnpike East in Manchester. Burial will follow at Beth Shalom B’nai Israel Memorial Park in Manchester at the corner of Autumn and Glenwood Streets (entrance to cemetery is on Autumn St.). The family will observe Shiva at the family’s home at 31 Laurel Terrace in Manchester after the burial. Visiting hours will take place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m on Saturday, January 12th thru Wednesday, January 16th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Amyloidosis Foundation (7151 N. Main St., Suite 2, Clarkston, MI 48346), the Bess and Paul Sigel Hebrew Academy (53 Gabb Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002) or the Hebrew High School of New England (300 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117).