Rick Sherman passed away on Friday, August 28, surrounded by his family. He was 70 years young and had so much life left to live. He was a true inspiration of strength and humor during his battle with cancer, and his loss is felt by all who knew him.

Rick was born to Bill and Ann Sherman in Los Angeles in 1956. He was the second of two children, and he and his older sister Susan had happy childhood years in Van Nuys and Encino. Rick’s love of music was kindled early in life. His dad Bill had a successful career first as a big band singer in the 40’s and later as a music publisher and record company president. In the mid-70s, Rick forged his own music trail as drummer for punk rock band the Berlin Brats and later the Maus-Maus. They regularly played on the LA Sunset Strip and also performed in Cheech & Chong's "Up In Smoke". Later, Rick became a record buyer at Warehouse Entertainment, where his ear for successful bands was put to good use. In 1988, he began his retail research career for the trade magazine, The Album Network. Little did he know he would begin work the same day as his future wife Michele. When this L.A. Jewish boy dated a nice Italian girl from Queens, NY, it wasn’t long before they knew it was the perfect combination. Rick’s love for Michele even drove him to become a N.Y. Mets fan over his beloved L.A. Dodgers. Rick and Michele were married in 1990. They welcomed their son Andrew (Andy) in 1991 and daughter Sophia (Sophie) in 1995. During this time Rick’s career blossomed working in regional sales and marketing for record labels, Island, Geffen (DGC), MCA, and Universal Music Group.

In 1998, Rick and his family visited Raleigh, NC to spend time with relatives and impulsively decided to buy a house there, seeking a slower pace but the L.A. vibe never left him. In 1999, Rick became Catholic much to the delight of his wife and kids and his faith sustained him until the end. Seeking a new career, Rick trained to become a Licensed Optician working for Luxottica (LensCrafters and Target Optical) and later B.J.s. This was far and away, his most fulfilling career yet, combining his eye for style with his passion for improving sight. He passed on his love of music to his children and nieces and nephews and would often be seen tapping to any beat in the most inappropriate places. He was a lover of the simple things, interesting books and movies, the beach, cycling and swimming, and never tired of eating Mexican food. Rick was a caring, patient husband, an unconditionally loving father, a sweet brother, and a kind brother-in-law and uncle. He had a genuine interest and care for others, and he touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his wife Michele Gambardella, son Andy Sherman and partner Kim and granddaughter Ruth Iris, daughter Sophie Sherman and spouse Jordie, sister Susan Tatar, sister-in-law Silvia Gambardella, brother-in-law John Gambardella and wife Susan, sister-in-law Linda Serepca and husband Paul, and many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. He is reunited in Heaven with his parents Ann and Bill, mother-in-law and father-in-law Rose and John, and sister-in-law Laura.

Visitation will be at Renaissance Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 8, from 3-7 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 9 at 11 AM in Raleigh.