To the Sherman Family,
I am so sorry this note is so late but I recently found out about Norm’s passing. 
He was a phenomenal, caring Principal but if possible an even more amazing human being.
Working at P.S.201 when Norm was Principal, was a joy. The entire staff was this huge, giant family. The children adored him. He was truly the definition of a mensch. 
Reading and books was his passion. As noted by so many, his mantra was Yes I Can.
He was always putting articles in our mailboxes regarding teaching but also our hobbies.
I am so glad he was in my life as a professional and a human being.
Helaine Schachter

I know Norm and Sara Jane as neighbors in my parents' housing co-op.  The Shermans moved in after I had moved out on my own, but the whole 9th floor of that building was famous for harmony, friendliness, helpfulness, and cooperation among the 4 apartments there.  Norm and Sara Jane were tremendously helpful and loving to my parents through many decades, and when I returned for visits, I would witness that.  Norm got on the Board of the co-op; he told me that my mother put him up to it, so he could be her "shil."   (I believe he did just as he was instructed by my alpha mother.)  Norm would get delicious artisan bread from a neighborhood bakery to distribute among co-op friends and needy people.  He also was famous on the 9th floor for bestowing delicious, creative breads that he made with the help of his beloved bread machine.  it was his favorite toy.  When my father was in his last months of life, my dear friend who was my parents' caretaker called Norm in at 3 or 4 in the morning to get my dad out of the bathroom, where he was suffering kidney failure.   There was Norm, standing by with my friend to wait for the 911 medics to arrive.  3 or 4 in the morning?  No problem to loyal Norm.  I hope I've given some of Norm's P. S. 201 colleagues an idea of what Norm was like as the definition of a good neighbor.

DEAR SARA JANE, BEN, LAURA, DANNY, AND JOSH, AND FAMILY, 

I WAS VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF NORM'S PASSING.

I'LL REMEMBER HIM WHEN I PLAY SCRABBLE. HE HAD A GREAT ZEST FOR LIFE, AND LIVED HIS WITH A BIG SMILE, AND LIVING HIS, FULLY.

PLEASE ACCEPT AND EXTEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY.

G-D BLESS YOU ALL. MAY YOUR HAPPY MEMORIES HELP THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

LOVE AND HUGS, 
EMMY HELFMAN 

(C)     585-210-6433        (H)   585-486-4851 


Dear Sara Jane and Family,
There aren’t enough pages to fill a book about the most wonderful human being and “mensch” Norman was. As an educator to my children, a neighbor and a family friend,
we have fond memories of Norman. Our deepest sympathy to the family. 
Love,
Selma Reiss and family (Ratnofsky)

Taken in 1994.
How lucky we were to be Norm’s other family.
~Sue Kalish

My sincerest condolences to the Sherman family.  It was a privilege to have Norm as my guiding and beloved principal at P.S. 201.He was the quintessential educator and leader.  He cared and watched over us and made 201 a "family". His love for children was apparent when he greeted each child in the morning with his smile. There was excitement when he would read to the children or when he would compliment them as they walked through the halls. He knew every student by name. My students who were blind would light up when they heard his voice.  He empowered all of us and his famous "I think I can" from The Little Engine That Could became "I know I can."  Norm had incredible generosity and kindness and made a difference in the lives of his students, parents and staff. Helen Keller said "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt within the heart." I will carry his teachings within my heart and I know so many others will as well.  May his memory be for a blessing.

Norm was indeed a gentle giant. I remember the stories that he would read to the teachers at a faculty meeting. I borrowed this idea when I became an assistant principal at P120Q.  I would read excerpts from a favorite children's book or a poem as part of my graduation speeches. Norm would sometimes get red in the face but I never heard him scream. He always tried to figure out what the problem was and used a collaborative approach to solve it. The last time I saw Norm was at a retirement party for a fellow colleague. He was still the same gentle giant and gregarious Norm and greeted me with a big smile and an even bigger hug! He will be missed but the lives that he touched have been blessed by his presence. 

To the Sherman Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Norm's passing. I have many former PS 201 students as Facebook friends and many have posted their memories of Norm as a caring mentor to them. They expressed deepest condolences to the family. I add mine as well. May his memory be for a blessing.
Lila Alexander

Sara Jane and family

Please accept my condolences to all of you. I was very sad to hear about  Norm’s passing.  
He was a great principal at 201.  I enjoyed working there.  He was very respected by all.
Adele Moskowitz 







What a beautiful tribute to Norm. He was surrounded by love and respect. My sincerest condolences to Sara Jane, Laura, Ben, Danny, Josh and their loved ones.
In sympathy,
Judy Rubin

I am sending my deepest condolences to Sara Jane and the entire Sherman family.
Norm was by far , one of a kind.
I was hired by Norm in August of 1994, PS201, and had been a teacher there til July 2018, when I retired. I am still currently subbing at 201, due to a live that he helped to instill in me.
He would read at the beginning of every school year, The Little Engine That Could, and remind us "I think I can". And we did and that got us through the school year.
He has an open door policy for work, for all that needed to stop in.
He was by far, in all my 40+ years of teaching one of the best administrators ever!! Rest in peace dear Norm. You will be greatly missed!  


To The Sherman Family,
I knew Norm as the Principal who saw the potential in all.  He was
exceptional; caring, motivational and his heart was open to all;   
staff, parents and students.  Over these past thirty years I recalled him with great admiration and affection and with the understanding that he was the Best!  
When he had announced his retirement, I cried, and today I 
cry again.  
I wish you much comfort and all the good memories to cherish.
May his name for a BLESSING.


Sincerest condolences. Remembering Norm, summer of 1978 when we worked at the New Jersey “Y” Camps. May his memory be a blessing

I was so sorry to hear this news. 
Norm was a wonderful boss and a very caring man. 
He did such great things at PS 201.  They will last  in that school forever.  My best years there were in his leadership.
My condolences to his whole family. 

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to appreciate beauty and find the best in others; to leave the world a better place; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

This is how I will remember Norm Sherman. 

I’m so sorry to learn of Norm’s passing. Not only was he an amazing school principal, he was a phenomenal human being. I have so many fond memories of our time together at PS 201 that I will keep in my heart always.

I wish I could be there to join the family at this difficult time.  Jonathan will be there to represent the Sklar family who have been friend with the Shermans for over 60 years.  My sincere condolences.

Martha

OBITUARY

Norman Sherman

June 30, 1936 – August 30, 2022

Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels

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