Milton Sherman

OXFORD - Milton R. Sherman, 79, of Walcott St., died Friday, January 1, 2010 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (Blomquist) Sherman of Oxford; a son, Peter R. Sherman and his wife Joan of Millbury; a daughter-in-law, Leona Chaney of Louisiana; a sister, Edith Sherman of Connecticut; seven grandchildren, Kristen, Jessica, Betsy, Tyler, Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Colleen; nine great grandchildren, two nieces, and one nephew. He was predeceased by a son, David P. Sherman of Norwich, NY, who died in 1996; and a brother, Joseph W. Sherman II of Rhode Island. He was born in Orleans, the son of the late Joseph W. and Ethel (Rogers) Sherman, and lived in Chatham before moving to Oxford in 1950. He graduated from Bristol County Agricultural School and Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst. Mr. Sherman worked at New England Telephone Co. for 30 years, retiring in 1989. Previously, he was a farmer at Dimock's farm in Oxford, as well as other area farms. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oxford, the Oxford Lodge of Masons and the Telephone Pioneers. Mr. Sherman and his wife enjoyed spending winters at the Hypoluxo Harbor Club in Florida, and summers at their camp on Lake Manchaug. He was capable of fixing almost anything, and enjoyed woodworking, caning chairs and playing the banjo. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be at a later date at Pine Grove Cemetery in Spencer. Calling hours are Monday, January 4, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smith-Magenis research group at PRISMS, Inc., 21800 Town Center Plaza, Suite #266A-633, Sterling, VA 20164.