George Edward Sherry
September 25, 1943 ~ December 30, 2020
Porter, Maine - Beloved husband, father and grandfather, George E. Sherry Jr. left us far too soon. He died peacefully on December 30, 2020 holding the hand of the love of his life his wife Judy of 54 years. In addition to wife Judy, he is survived by his five children and their families including fourteen grandchildren: Beth Skoglund and her husband Thom and their two children Trevor and Emma of Salisbury, MD., Kate Hayward and her husband Jim and their three children JD, Cassie and Travis of Ashford, CT, Gige Sherry and his wife Annie and their two children Kilee and Devan of Gorham, ME, Ted Sherry and his wife Nichol and their five children Brynn, Gavin, Callum, Tess and Liv of West Hartford, CT, Zack Sherry and his wife Lindsay and their two children Addison and Gunnar of Marlborough, CT.
In addition to being the rock of the Sherry Family he was also a mentor to many students and families in Tolland, as well as in the Manchester, CT school system for over 35 years. He retired as a school social worker at Illing Jr. High School and still keeps in touch with many students and colleagues. He always had a way to win over students and support them and he absolutely loved his job!
George was born in Worcester, MA on September 25, 1943 and grew up in Auburn, MA and was the youngest child of the late George and Catherine Sherry. He grew up with two older sisters the late Patricia "Pat" Kopka and Catherine "Kay" Malkasian of Winter Haven, FL. He went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Providence College and his Master's degree at Boston College in social work.
He married Judith Hagberg on June 18, 1966 and soon after began their life journey by starting a family and moving to CT. They lived in Manchester and eventually settled in Tolland, CT where they raised their five children who were all college athletes. One of George's greatest passions was coaching and watching his children and then grandchildren play sports. He was so proud of all of their accomplishments and will be watching from Heaven as they continue to do great things! His other passions include bike riding, ancestory.com., Ireland, feeding the birds and chipmunks, watching CNN, fishing (especially on West Pond), reciting motivational and inspirational quotes, helping and working with kids (especially those likely to fall through the cracks) and spending time with his dogs - most recently his dog Beau! He will be sadly missed by anyone that knew him but especially by his family.
The family will be having a private ceremony at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Expressing my sorrow for the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Gige lived his life honorably and with faith. A great man who made this world a better place. He will surely watch over his loved ones as he rejoins the loving arms of his Mom, Dad, Sister Pat and others who have passed on. So very sorry.
– Beverly (Sherry) Schugk
You Mr. Sherry have helped me through a very difficult time in my life, the dreaded middle school. I like many other whom you have helped in your life time was the one headed down the wrong path. You never gave up on me and guided me through what I may consider as a challenging time for both my parents and I. I am truly sorry that I never got to reconnect with you and let you know that everything turned out ok, but I am sure through your intuition of knowing the good souls that everything was going to be ok. Thank you again Mr Sherry. James Buckley MHS class of 2001.
– James Willam Buckley
George was such an important part of the Illing Middle School Family, advising the teachers, students and administration. He was a mentor and a friend and sometimes a Dad to all. He loved his family and was so proud of them, which came out in every conversation. Truly a life well lived! He will be missed.
– Mary Anderson
You are forever a saving grace for all of us and made such an immense impact in so many lives. We are all so grateful to have known you. RIP
– Love always-Melissa Lawrence (White) & Cheryl White
We loved seeing George at all Waynflete games and he will be missed. Love from the Waynflete coaches and athletic department
– Ross Burdick
I am so deeply sorry and saddened to hear of Mr. Sherrys passing. I send my sincere condolences to the entire Sherry family. Mr. Sherry was there to guide and help me through my middle school years. He was always there to listen and was the biggest “Rams” fan on any sideline at any Illing game. The profound impact he had on not only myself but all those around him will always be cherished and not forgotten. Megan (Taylor) Williams
– Megan (Taylor) Williams
What is there not to say about Mr. Sherry. He was one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. He was my middle school social worker at illing in Manchester, and he was an absolute savior to my class after enduring not one but two student deaths. He was always there for a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and truly cared about his students. Even now in my 30s I would receive messages asking how I was doing, I would see him at the thanksgiving road race and his friendly smile was always nice to see saying “hey kid.”My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Mr. Sherry will be greatly missed, he was one of a kind and will not be forgotten.
– Stephanie daley
Gige and Annie and family, We are so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We are sending our love to you and your family. Kurt and Ann
– Ann Elkanich
Judy; Fran and I were sorry to hear that George had died. I’m glad we shared a few moments at the last XC meets at Wickham. Love Fran and Dick
– Stoefflers
Sorry to hear of George’s passing. I have many memories of him at soccer games. My passion today for coaching kids was inspired by good men like him, and wonderful families like the Sherry’s. Peace, health and love to the Sherry Family. -Mike Munichiello
– MikeM
I am so sorry for your loss. George was one of the kindest, loving people I had the pleasure to work with at Illing. I simply loved his huge heart. May his love embrace you all during this difficult time. Diane Strano
– Diane Strano
A loving tribute to a man who loved his family & his God. As he helped so many to grow to their full potential, this tree will share his love of life.
– Beverly (Sherry) Schugk
Lloyd and Amy-Sue Muroe are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed being with all of you when are kids were younger. George will be dearly missed. We send you our prayers and thoughts as you go through this sad time. Sincerely, Lloyd and Amy-Sue
– Lloyd and Amy-Sue Munroe
Judy and Family, It feels as though Phil and I have been part of the “sibling” group forever. Since Kay and I began working together 30+ years ago, we have been included in many of your family get-togethers and celebrations. Gige and Judy were such a loving couple and consequently made the rest of us recipients of their circle of loving energy! We will miss those times and miss Gige. Love, Sharon and Phil
– Sharon Seymour
Judy & family, Tom & I send our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of George. I will always remember his wonderful way with the girl’s on his soccer teams. He was always a great example of decency & caring. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Maryann & Tom Hutton
– Maryann Hutton
My love to you all. Gige your Dad was very special. Thinking of you .
– Tribute Store
We are thinking of you during this difficult.
– Jay, Lindsay, Ava & Jacoby Skilling
George was wonderful to my children at Illing and before that also. He will be missed
– Lanie Turner
Dear Judy, Beth, Kate ,Gig,Ted and Zack, I am so sorry for all of you ! George was such a wonderful husband, father ,grandfather and friend! I also remember him as a good brother and son. I first met him at Bennet Jr. High. The home on Summit Street was always warm and welcoming as was the Tolland home! I hope that your memories will bring you comfort! You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget him or that twinkle in his eyes! Love, Barb
– Barbara Hyde-Fleming
I will never forget Mr. Sherry always jogging down South River Rd each day way back in the day. Sending thoughts and prayers to the Sherry family. I lost my dad over 10 years ago and think about him everyday. May your dad live in your memories forever and the impact he made live on. Rest In Peace.
– Steve Jackopsic
With deepest sympathy to the Sherry family. I always said that there are givers and takers in life, George was a very special giver.
– Tribute Store
Dear Judy, We are so grateful to have George in our lives and that he shared yours with us. His impact on us both, was of the very utmost significance. George always understood the big picture, saw the value in the most challenging of circumstances and truly celebrated the individuality in all of the people fortunate enough to have engaged with him. We loved George dearly, and will keep all that we learned from him close to us. Evan and I send you love during this difficult time.
– Raegan Chekas
My condolences to Judy and family. While catching up with George on the phone and texting this past year, I was so happy that not much had changed. He bragged about his kids and grandchildren and we talked about Maine, our labs and mutual friends. His love for his wife and family was something that you just didn’t hear him talk about, but somehow it was something you could feel. George was one of the kindest people in my life and a good friend to so many. I will miss you and remember you forever my friend. Peter Ware
– Peter Ware
Dear Judy and Family, We send our sincere condolences for the loss of George. We spent many good years on the sidelines of soccer games with George. We are so sorry for your loss. Mary and Don Schaefer
– Don and Mary Schaefer
Mr Sherry. I will never forget you and being there through all my trials and tribulations at Illing Middle School. You were the kindest soul and your kind heart will forever live on, Rest In Peace – Lynzie-Rose Koutsopoulos
– Lynzie-Rose Koutsopoulos
We will miss our biggest cheerleader on the sidelines next fall. With love and our deepest sympathies, Waynflete Girls soccer
– Carrie Earls & Taylor Canastra
I was so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Please know that he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers. The Dyers have happy memories of all of you from our years in Tolland, and our daughter Lori baby-sat for the boys.
– Ursula Dyer
I knew George in Manchester, CT and served on the Board of TLC when he was the Executive Directro. His name still comes up every now and then. He had a wonderful reputation as an advocate for children and will be remembered with respect and gratitude. Elaine Kahaner Cape Elizabeth, ME
– Elaine Kahaner
Enjoyed working with George at Illing. My condolences to the family. Barbara Hadigian
– Barbara Hadigian
Thank you for being there for all the students at Illing! You made a difference in many lives.
– K. Taylor
Mr. Sherry was a great mentor and friend to so many students. He kept a lot of kids out of trouble!!
One day Hon and I glued every paper, pen, and item to Mr. Sherry’s desk in it’s exact location. Needless to say….he had a great sense of humor! (Although he might have gotten a little red!)
I spent many times in Mr. Sherry’s office during my years at Illing. It was always more fun than study hall or class! Haha
Mr. Sherry didn’t mind that Hon and I called him George!
George was a kind gentle soul with a huge heart and a smile you could see down the hall.
I am a former student of Mr Sherry MANY years ago at Illing. I have kept in contact with a yearly Christmas card. My heart ached today when the card was returned as I knew what that meant. I see that it has been awhile but I still want to send a heartfelt condolence to the family of a dear man and woman. I am sure you have many wonderful memories that you will all hold in your heart forever. Thank you for sharing him with so many others!