Sherman (J.) Katz

Sherman Joseph Katz, 95, of West Hartford died February 11 surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Phyllis (Sachs) Katz. He is survived by his two daughters and their spouses, Marjorie Katz and William Nicholson, of Sudbury, MA and Nancy and Donald Rossler of West Hartford; four grandchildren, Lindsey Nicholson and husband Andrew Beaton, Sara Nicholson and husband Benjamin Gammerman, Michael Rossler, Drew Rossler; and great-grandchildren Patrick and Robert Beaton. He was the son of the late Nathan and Elizabeth (Becker) Katz and brother of Jerome D. Katz. Sherman attended Mount Hermon School for Boys. He served in the armed forces in World War II, where he received a purple heart. Upon returning from the war, he earned his MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He then joined his father and brother in the scrap metal business at Jacob A. Katz and Sons, founded by his great-grandfather. Later, he joined Suisman and Blumenthal, during which time he served as President of the Scrap Metal Institute. He thoroughly enjoyed life, whether it be reading his New York Times daily, traveling the world, singing in the temple choir or starring in the PTA elementary school plays. In later years, when he and Phyllis were not attending opera, theater, symphonies, taking classes, participating in film club, golfing or playing bridge, he relished lounging by the pool in the Florida sun.Sherman also made giving back to his community a priority. He helped Russian immigrants settle in the Hartford area, and volunteered at the Hebrew Home coffee shop and Saint Joseph’s School for Young Children, where he was simply adored. A service will be held Friday, February 15, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Calling hours will be Friday following the funeral service and Saturday evening 4-7 PM at the family home on Cliffmore Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Sherman and Phyllis Katz Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation, 33 Bloomfield Ave., Suite C, West Hartford, CT 06117; The Northfield Mount Hermon School, 1 Lamplighter Way, Mount Hermon, MA 01354; Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002; or a charity of your choice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to

The Sherman and Phyllis Katz Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation

33 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite C

West Hartford, CT 06117

or to

The Northfield Mount Hermon School

1 Lamplighter Way

Mount Hermon, MA 01354

or to the

Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

103 Vision Way

Bloomfield, CT 06002

or to

A Charity of the Donor’s Choice

Calling hours will be Friday following the funeral service and Saturday evening 4-7 PM at the family home on

30 Cliffmore Road

West Hartford, CT