Jay E. Sherlach, 88, passed away Saturday April 16, 2016 at Putnam Hospital, Carmel, NY.
Born Joseph E. Kirby on December 18, 1927 he was the son of Katherine Kirby. Upon his mother’s passing Jay took the name of his adoptive father Stuart Sherlach.
Jay served in the Korean War for 2 years. As a result of the G.I. Bill he earned his first Master’s Degree in Education, becoming a teacher in Westchester.
He married Patricia Ann Shields on September 30, 1955, raising a family and loving each other until she passed away in December of 2009.
Jay started his teaching career in Scarsdale, NY with several positions throughout Westchester.
In 1964 he became the principal at Pawling Elementary School, a position he had for 20 years. He retired and worked as a consultant for 3 years then coming out of retirement to assume Superintendent and Principal roles in Westchester once again.
Jay was always present at any and all Pawling High School sports and Pawling Hockey games, coaching the high school hockey team for several years.
Along with life-long friend Dee DaBramo, the two started Camp Smith, a camp for special needs children that lasted for 20 years, giving fun filled summers to hundreds of kids and counselors and helping to launch careers in teaching and Special Education for many Pawling High School students.
Jay is predeceased by his wife Pat, spending the last 6 years missing her and now joining her where they will undoubtedly keep an eye on all of us. As well, Jay was predeceased by his daughter- in- law, Mary Greene Sherlach, in December of 2012.
He is survived by 3 sons, William, Robert, and Matthew; 4 granddaughters, Maura, Katy, Kylie and Sylvie, and was awaiting his first great-granddaughter, Mackenzie, who will join us in May.
He was an avid NY Giant, NY Ranger, and NY Yankee fan, and always enjoyed telling you how many times he saw DiMaggio play and the one time he saw Lou Gehrig.
“If you’re not playing Ella Fitzgerald, Johnnie Mercer, Glenn Miller, or Count Basie, please don’t play anything at all”.
Calling hours will be at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home in Pawling from 6-9 pm Friday April 22nd. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Johns Church in Pawling at 11:30 Saturday April 23rd.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to “Mary’s Fund” c/o Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk CT 06851.
For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.hornandthomesfuneralhome.com.
