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Sherman Banks Farwell
Naples, FL
Sherman Banks Farwell, 100, died peacefully at home in Naples, FL on January 7, 2014. He was born in Danbury, CT to Frederick and Carrie (Smith) Farwell.
He married the love of his life, Ruth Disbrow with whom he shared 67 years and moved to New Fairfield, CT in 1941. Sherman was foreman of Out Post Nurseries, supplying lumber for minesweepers during WWII. Later he was owner of a saw mill, then a well drilling business for many years. He enjoyed serving on various boards in the community and was a founding member of the Lions Club, a volunteer fireman, and a town selectman.
Sherman enjoyed all types of fishing, clamming, and gardening, both vegetables and flowers.
In Naples, he loved having breakfast at Mel's Diner (and their doting staff) which included lots of coffee. Afterward, he would take his daily beach walk for 7 to 8 miles, then an ocean swim. He always said 'hi' to everyone and remembered their names.
This wonderful man, with his good nature and pleasant personality, was a delight to know. He was interested in others first, always positive and most of all, very kind. He stayed very healthy, sharp-witted and focused on the important things in life, especially nature.
Sherman is survived by his loving daughter, Carol (Jack) Stetson; grandson, John Sherman Stetson of Danbury; granddaughter, Laura (Tom) DiMaggio; and great grandchildren, Kayleigh and Nicholas of New Hampshire.
Private services will be in New Fairfield. To celebrate Sherman's life, take the time to really enjoy a long walk along a beach.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was an absolute wonderful person and I'm still happy, that I had the chance to meet him. Also I was very glad, that he still swam with my mother Rosemarie until the end... I haven't been in Naples for quite a while, but I know - whenever I'm back there, I'll always remember Sherman with love in my heart... Here you see him enjoying the sunshine back in 2010
Gaby
Friend
January 12, 2024
Still miss my old friend Sherman. He was the kindest Human Being I've ever met. The last years of his life he took my helping hand to go into the ocean and I enjoyed swimming with him. Sherman, you are dearly missed
Rosemarie
Friend
January 5, 2024
Thank you, dear Sherm, for youl Thank you and your wife for loving the universe. Thank you both for your daughter, whom you threaded through all our conversations. Thank you for being memory in so many people with whom I make conversation. I enjoy realizing how many unknown others are thanking you. But most of all, thank you for adding contours of meaning to my life, which you have especially privileged.
January 9, 2015
Sherm would never have understood disparaging remarks about “re-gifting.” My experience of his self finds expression in an enclosure card I once received: “Today is a gift! Unwrap it with abandon.”
One particularly memorable Christmas I made my way past Gulfside and heard, “Teresa! Teresa!” When I looked back and up, Sherm stood waving more demonstratively than I'd ever seen. I walked up the sand towards him and only then realized he was waving a candy cane! A couple who loved him had moments ago given it to him. In that instance, Sherm loved having a gift to give me. Such abandon!
December 7, 2014
November 7, 2014
I have no memory of Sherm asking about or telling about celebrating Thanksgiving. I do remember, though, that when I wished Sherm a Happy Thanksgiving, he'd thank me, wish me the same, and then add a few words of joy and gratitude that would fill a cornucopia—another day like all his others!
Teresa
November 7, 2014
October is a transition month at the Gulf. Sherm would mark the end of turtle season with appreciation for all the nests that hatched and those who tended them. Then he'd wonder about people returning to Naples and the Gulf. He took great satisfaction in the reunions. His enjoyment made the transitions seamless. How fitting that tonight's moon will transit into tomorrow morning's total eclipse that will give us the coppery blood moon. I can picture Sherm sitting at the Gulf appreciating it and being satisfied—even if clouds obstructed it.
Teresa
October 7, 2014
Sherm told a story of digging up crabapple trees from his nursery in Connecticut, driving them to and loading them on a barge in upper New York to be taken down the Hudson for delivery to Central Park. Sherm--and his listeners--reveled in the fact that the trees bloomed as they made their way down the water. The most fitting touch of the story: When the trees arrived at their new home, a bird's nest was discovered in the branches of one. Now that image suggests Sherm and how tenderly he spoke of his wife.
To honor Sherm on his 100th birthday, Tom M. contacted the Conservancy of Central Park, which verified their continuing existence. Makes me think of the avian offspring who surely occasionally perch. Makes me think of my own continual perching in gratitude and admiration.
Teresa
September 7, 2014
Sherm's 100th birthday party in 2013 brought July 2014 reminiscences from people who'd felt specially honored to be there, including Simon. One memory was of Sherm moving his hand across his face and saying of the tributes, “This is too much!”
That was Sherm's take. In ongoing conversations about Sherm, people search for adequate descriptions. I'm thinking “Sherm muched!"
Teresa
August 7, 2014
This time last year, Sherm's beach friends were hearing his story of experiencing his arms around a portion of tree in the Redwood Forest. The story was accompanied by his expressions of awe. This time last year at Park Shore beach, we were hoping that the loggerhead mothers would reach 100 nests in honor of Sherm's 100th birthday. Some days ahead of July 23, a turtle nested right in front of Surfsedge; the stakes claimed “100 - Sherm's Nest.” So many birth days!
July 7, 2014
On Memorial Day some along the beach spoke of Sherm. This lovely story emerged: Five or so years ago, Mary told Sherm that her four-year-old son would be with her the next day. The next morning when they neared Surfsedge, Sherm came to them holding a small Ziploc bag and gave it to Anthony. It held a collection that the little boy in Sherm had gathered on the beach: a beat-up nickel, a great shell, a fishing lure, and other treasures. Five years later the bag of treasures rests in Anthony's treasure chest except for the times when he takes it out to marvel at its contents.
Sherm was a man of all ages as well as a man for all ages.
Teresa
June 7, 2014
On May 1, Mary, the Park Shore Beach Environmental Specialist, began daily checks for turtle nests. Her return prompted conversations about Sherm, feeling his presence, and how he loved turtle season.
Today, May 7, a loggerhead turtle made her nest about 40 yards south of Sherm's condo. It's marked number one (1)! Makes me giddy with pleasure!
Teresa
May 7, 2014
Late last summer Sherm made his way to the beach to tell a friend that he'd found a pass that his friend was trying to replace for him. He wanted to save him the trouble. As I stood up to go, Sherm started to get up, too.
Me (offering an arm) May I help you up?
He (looking startled): No, I was getting up to help you up!
Teresa
April 10, 2014
Looking out over the Gulf, Sherm gave a perfect poem comment. He listened to Hopkins' lines "The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out like shining from shook foil." A quiet moment later he said, "It brings it right to you!"
Teresa
March 7, 2014
On this month-versary, thank you, Sherm, for your life that keeps giving.
Teresa
February 7, 2014
We were what Sherm called his "Hello friends". It made our beach walk extra special when we saw Sherm coming towards us and over the years we exchanged more than hellos as he told us a little of his amazingly long life. Two lucky English people whose lives were touched by a real American gentleman.
Andy & Valerie Butcher
January 27, 2014
we had many wonderful times with the Farwells,They will be in our prayers,Cookie and Earl Pangborn,Anderson s C
January 27, 2014
It has been said, "When a person dies, a library burns". But you still have, access to their library, stacks of their "books" in isles labeled, beliefs, life style, humor, compassion, dedication, faith, family , hope, love and endless others.
And in the "Sherman Farwell Wing" there will only be books that you will understand
Because they are the ones of your time together, your perceptions and remembrances of him.
Personal and private interactions, thoughts, conversations experiences: Family together and his extended family “His Friends'.
These memories and feelings will forever be alive within your hearts and minds. Some will make you cry, some will make you laugh but all will keep you close to him.
The place of the wound is the place of the healing Visit there often. He would like that, He would want you to.
Our deepest sympathy Carol
With all our Love
Mary & Bob Stetson
Robert Stetson
January 24, 2014
Dear Carol,
I was saddened to learn of your father's passing. He sounds like an amazing man who knew how to live life to the fullest with the right priorities. I certainly will think of him while enjoying his beloved Naples beach.
Diana Tarr
January 20, 2014
Dear Carol and family, So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I have many fond and happy childhood memories of Sherm and of your family. My deepest sympathies.
Marguerite Kellogg Olson
January 19, 2014
Dear Carol,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Caryl and John Lucchesi
January 18, 2014
Dear Carol and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I wish I had known him. Thinking of you.
Geri Hopper
January 18, 2014
So sorry to hear of Sherm's passing. Having known him and worked for him I can attest
to the fact that he was a fine gentleman.
Sincerely,
Dave Peck
Vero Beach, FL
January 18, 2014
Dear Carol,
So sorry to hear of your father's death. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Anne Skandera
January 17, 2014
Dear Mrs. Stetson
I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I had the pleasure of having breakfast with your dad and the Gardner Brothers 6 days aweek for about 11 years at the diner or @ Marcuses Dairy. I loved listening to all the stories. He was a gentleman from an era that will not be repeated. My deepest sympathies.
Sincerly , Hugh C.Bilecky
January 17, 2014
DEAR MRS.STETSON,YOUR DAD WAS ONE OF THE NICEST PERSONS THAT I HAVE EVER MET ,I WAS TRULY SADDENED AT HIS PASSING,HE WAS AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AND I AM PROUD TO BE ABLE TO CALL HIM A FRIEND,MOST SINCERELY ,JAY MORROW
JAY MORROW
January 17, 2014
Dear Carol and family,
Our deepest condolences on the death of your father. We hope you are consoled by his long life.
Fondly,
Harriet & Herb Krate
Harriet Krate
January 17, 2014
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it's the memories of you that are the most precious.
By Lamaretta Simmons
james leonard
January 17, 2014
Dear Carol, Many members of the club were sorry to hear about your dad. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We'll see you in Connecticut. Take care, Karlene Lombardo
Karlene Lombardo
January 16, 2014
We will miss Sherman very much. Heaven has gained a new Angel. Rest in Peace.
Cliff & Dorothy Heckman
January 14, 2014
I an so happy he was able to live at home until the end, that was his greatest fear. Sherman was the Buddha of Park Shore Beach and we will miss him.
Tom and Bettina Morrison
January 12, 2014
Sherm was the epitomy of a gentleman. He was kind, friendly and set the standard for all of us who had the pleasure of seeing him every day. I will miss him.
Mary Ann "Poogie" Cooper
January 11, 2014
When your loved one becomes a memory, then the memory becomes a treasure, May you treasure all the wonderful memories you have of your dad....With Sympathy Val Stagen
Valerie Stagen
January 11, 2014
Dear Carol, Jack and family -- Our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Sherman, your Dad, Father-in-law and Grandfather. His obit shared what a wonderful person he was to all. How lucky you were to have him in your lives. Sincerely, Irene & Jerry Castoral
January 11, 2014
"They say" when one person dies another is born...in Sherm's case it would take at least ten to ever fill that void. We were all blessed to have had him touch our lives. A teacher and listener...such a wonderful spirit.
Bertie McCune
January 11, 2014
I had the honor and pleasure to meet this wonderful man for the first time about six years ago and he always made me look forward to seeing him again during my visits in Naples. My first beachwalk this season will be in deep and loving rememberance of him... Love you always, Gaby
Gaby Hemmersbach
January 11, 2014
This wonderful, gentle and gracious man will forever stay in my heart. Every minute spent with him was wonderful and I always felt the warmth and love around him, coming from his pleasant nature. Even though he did have a wonderful life and he was 100 years old - for me he could have lived forever. Now I do have my memories of him and will carry them wherever I go....
Rose Coffie
January 11, 2014
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