1967-1972..I Worked As A Summer Lifeguard On Brighton Beach...Richard Sher Was My Chief Lifeguard ..I Was Just A Kid..So Many Of My Fellow Lifeguards Were Of Different Backgrounds...In Those Six Summers..Chief Sher Treated Us All With Respect..Fairness..Dignity..And Thoughtful Toughness, When Necessary...Chief Sher Helped To Make Those Summers Better Than Good For Me...With Most Fond Memories..Bill Plawner

Sometimes God puts someone special in your life to help guide you, to build confidence in you, and to keep you focused. Someone who sees something special in you and pushes you to help you achieve, to help you excel, and to help you reach your greatness. Richard Sher (the Coach) was that special person in my life. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be or what I would have become without the coach. 
I first met him at Bushwick high school, when I was part of the swimming team (1976 - 1980) and  often interacted with him, like many of us did, when he got me a job as a lifeguard at Coney Island and Brighton Beach. 
Sher was the cornerstone of my success. He was tough and pushed me and many of us very hard, but he never let us down. He made sure we worked, part-took in school, and kept our grade up. He taught us to support each other (the team and the fellas), and of course to keep our family front and centered.
Yes, he was always yelling at us and pushing us, but it came from his heart.  Sher facilitated many of the accomplishments/the high points in my life. From becoming an excellent swimmer (back-stroker), to working as a lifeguard, to becoming the first Hispanic lieutenant lifeguard, the first Hispanic Chief lifeguard, and if that wasn’t enough, to getting a full athletic scholarship to college (LIU).  He inspired me to work hard, reach high and never give up. Sher paved the way for my continued growth and success. He was significant, he was impactful, he was my mentor, and most importantly, he was my friend. Sher helped many of us in Bushwick. And he will be missed! 
As a clinical pharmacist specializing in immune deficiency, I meet many individuals who are in need, who are looking for guidance, or a mentor. I always think back to my time at Bushwick and of course the coach.  I will never forget him. I look forward to the day we meet again, in heaven, with our lord, talking about how impactful and important he was to so many of us. Much love.
Alexi.

I got to know Richard Sher when I was in the Bushwick High School swimming team from 1976 through 1980 and years later working as a lifeguard at Coney Island Beach.

People who don't know him would probably say he was a selfish individual or badass, let me tell you these if it wasn't for coach, I would not have made it to where I am today, a good friend, a good family member, and a 30-year career in Law Enforcement.

Coach helped a lot of kids in poor communities by inspiring them to be better people, staying in school, and giving them jobs.

My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

Mr. Richard Sher, a friend, a coach, a hard drill instructor. You were all those things and more. You pushed a bunch of non swimmers to the title of City Champions in 1974. A great honor and an example of your great leadership and achievements. Even as we stepped out into our adult lives, we carried on your teachings and motivational ways. I remember calling you over twenty years later to thank you for all you had done and to inform you that my daughter had been rated in the top 100 in the world in breaststroke. A stroke you had taught me and I passed on to her. But what I was so impressed with was your memory. You knew exactly who I was without me telling you. You were able to recall my voice even after so many years of not hearing from me, very impressive.
May you rest in peace, you will be missed by all those you touched.

1971 - 1974 Bushwick High School Swim Team
Charles Santana

Hey coach I remember in 1994 I took the beach LG test 9 times! When I finally hit beach time, you told me you beat one of the best swimmers in the city!  You always pushed us to our limit! You  made me take the test over and over again untill I made it. I was assigned section 1 in Brighton beach, your section.  You changed a lot young peoples life in Bushwick, I will add saved a lot lives.. only those who grew up in Bushwick during the crack era know what I’m trying to say.. You were a hard ass but always had a soft spot for the Bushwick guys! May your soul RIP coach!

Marvin Carbajal

RIP Sher
Thank you for the opportunity to try out for the swim team and Lifeguard school and the positive impact it made in my life. 
Rest in Peace Coach.
Wilfredo Gonzalez
Bushwick Swimming ‘83-‘87
Manhattan Beach Lifeguard “86-“87

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Richard Sher

15 juillet 1940 – 26 septembre 2023

I. J. Morris

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