Name: Visitation for Wendell Aloysius Scherer
Start: 2016-01-03T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-01-03T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Keyser Carr Simpson Hammerl Funeral & Cremation Service - Kingston

Wendell Aloysius Scherer KINGSTON- Wendell Aloysius Scherer, beloved husband, father, and teacher, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, Dec. 30, 2015, while surrounded by his family and listening to Homer’s “Odyssey”. Wendell A. Scherer was born June 21, 1949 to Wendell E. and Margaret Fitzgerald Scherer, now deceased, of West O’Reilly St., Kingston, N.Y. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes High School and later Fordham University, where he discovered his passion for teaching. For almost 40 years, Wendell embodied the joy and true spirit of education while teaching English, Theater Arts, and Mythology at MJM and then Kingston High School. He retired in June of 2010. Those who knew him swell with pride and astonishment that such a man walked amongst us. He lifted our eyes and our imaginations, wrapping us in his arms of joy and inspiration. He pointed out with every line of his pen, with every smile and hug, with every step on his path, where we should go, to find the eternal beauty and glory of the human spirit. It is said that teachers touch eternity. Because of the joy, passion, and spirit he poured into every moment, Wendell will forever be remembered. He is survived by his wife, Nora Scherer; daughters, Sarah Shomo and Bettina Scherer; son, Wendell F. Scherer; son-in-law, Joshua Shomo; nephews, Dylan and Griffin Burtch; sisters, Anne Scherer Davis of Kingston, Kathryn “Kit” (Tom) Goldpaugh of Kingston, Margaret (Steve) Davis of Golden, Colo.; brother-in-law, Arthur Abels of Walden; his mother-in-law, Patricia McCarthy of Niagara Falls; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews on both the McCarthy and Scherer sides. A sister, Michele Abels died previously. Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston where friends and family will be received on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. with a period of sharing memories beginning at 8 p.m. A funeral procession will form on Monday at 9 a.m. at the funeral home. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church. Interment will follow in Montrepose Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Wendell A. Scherer Legacy Fund, which will be set up to award scholarships to high school students who want to pursue a career of creating joy through education. Donations can be made payable to the Wendell A. Scherer Legacy Fund and mailed c/o Nora Scherer, 46 Lincoln St., Kingston, N.Y., 12401. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserCarr.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Daily Freeman from Dec. 31, 2015 to Jan. 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Scherer

Sponsored by dailyfreeman.com.

39 Entries

Debra Crossman

June 28, 2025

Wendell was a very special person. I met him in my senior year, 1981-1982 at KHS. While my memory for details isn't good, I do remember that he made me feel stronger, more capable and more confident. He talked to me as an equal and not 'less than' simply because I was a student.

This is the first I'm hearing of his passing and I must say that the school and the world lost one of the best when Wendell died

jay dorin

December 25, 2024

Wendell, You are truly remembered in the dearest sense. Your heart and dedication implanted a wonderful memory of who you are. I wish more of the world followed your lead.

Andrea Cherny

October 6, 2023

I think it was 1974, I spent many hours hanging out with Mr. Scherer in the halls if MJM, while he did his hall duty. We talked about so many things, life mostly. He was one of my favorite English teachers.
We did the play "Alice in Wonderland". Great memories. He touched my heart.
Rest in peace Mr Scherer.
With love and fond memories,
Andrea Cherny

Douglas Freeman

June 7, 2021

Mr. Scherer was the best teacher ever. RIP

Helen Blas-Wilson

April 27, 2021

He was a great friend and confidant to my belated sister, Rose Blas. He grieved along with us at her passing and always visited while we were sitting shiva (mourning) on that hard month of March 1978. My beloved sister was only 16. Wendell, I know was more than a friend - more like a family member. There was a great connection between the two of them.

Even though this is five years after his passing, I just found out about this. May his memory always be a blessing. Thank you for the memories.

jay dorin

December 25, 2020

Wendell, on what is close to the anniversary of your passing I have been thinking about you and the gifted human being you were. Not only in your ability to teach but in the depth and beauty of your loving spirit. I do wish you and the family a Merry Christmas which some celebrate in heaven and some on the earthly plane. Let us find peace and healing in all places.

Sandra Breitenberger

January 17, 2016

I am just hearing about Wendell's passing. I am deeply sorry that his family, friends and community have lost such a beautiful man who made the world a better place.

Tim Linnartz

January 11, 2016

My sympathies to Mr. Scherer's family. He was the most passionate teacher I ever shared the classroom with and I have thought about you many times since my time at MJM. God Bless!!!

Andre O. Jones

January 6, 2016

My deepest condolences to the family. Wendell, Wendell, Wendell... He was and will always be my, "all time favorite teacher." I have patterned a lot of how I treat and interact with other people after the way he treated us. He was one of the largest sources of guidance in my youth. Through English,Drama Club, and Coach House Explorers he showed how much he cared. I will never forget his love.

January 5, 2016

Grit, Kit, Anne and family,

So sorry to hear of Wendell's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love and Sympathy,
Cheryl Brodhead

Andrea Newman-Winston

January 5, 2016

My deepest condolences to you, Nora, and your family. He was an exceptional man and a conversation with him was a joy and an experience not to be missed.

Patricia Figura

January 4, 2016

Dear Nora and family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you. So many coach house players-coach house explorers memories remind me of Wendell. What an exquisite, lively, upbeat, and positive soul he always was!
And he discussed books with me!
Thank you for your bright light Wendell.
love, Tricia and John Figura

Melissa Hoffmann

January 4, 2016

One of the most inspiring teachers and individuals I've ever met. His energy was infectious, opening his students' eyes, quite literally, to a new way of interpreting and appreciating the beauty of life. I'm privileged to have experienced his class, and sorry that not everyone had the opportunity.

Paul Corrado

January 4, 2016

To Nora and Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Wendell. I can only imagine the immense loss that you feel.

Wendell was a great man, teacher, and mentor, and I know that I am not alone in expressing this. He was a life saver and an inspiration to me, first as my 9th grade English teacher, and then as mentor and director of the Coach House Explorers for next three years. I like to think that he helped to make me a better person, even though at that time it may not have been apparent. But, he indeed, was an immensely influential force of nature, and I am greatful to have known him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time.

Paul Corrado
Catskill, NY

January 4, 2016

Margie . I am so sorry to learn of your lose .. to the Scherer Family your in my thoughts , Edward R Ellsworth ll

Linda Alaimo

January 3, 2016

Our sympathy during this difficult time of loss. We celebrate with you the life you all shared with Wendell. God bless you all. Sincerely, Linda and Rodney Alaimo

Connie Happeny

January 3, 2016

A finer, gentler spirit I have never met in all my life. A precious light has gone out, and we can never repay what he brought to all of us. Rest in peace, Wendell. Much love to your family.

Carol Bahruth

January 2, 2016

You inspired me to become an English teacher in 1981 and you inspire me today to go back into the classroom. RIP my old West O'Reilly St friend!

John Dannert

January 2, 2016

One of a kind. A teacher that stays with you for a life time.His George Plimpton meets Tasmanian Devil personality was as infectious as it was effective.Rest In Peace.....not likely, Wendell has evolved into a state of pure energy and ricocheting through the cosmos in delight.

Barbara Cohen

January 2, 2016

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Wendell. He made an impact on everyone he met....he was truly interested in you and always imparted something for you to remember. He was an inspiration to his students and his love of learning encouraged them to succeed.

He was a gentle giant who will always be remembered and loved.

His memory is a blessing.

Our Love,
Barbara & Joe Cohen

Cate Tomlinson

January 2, 2016

The world has lost a loving heart and shining light of humanity in Wendell's passing. Cheerful, supportive, and kind, he was a beacon of light to all who knew him. He was funny, talented, and sweet.

His father was a friend and colleague of my uncle Sheldon, so I've know Wendell since I was a kid in Kingston. Later, we re-connected through our love of theater in Coach House Players. Wendell made everything "fun".

My condolences to Nora and family on their loss. Rest in peace, Wendell.

Tricia (Day) Pierce

January 1, 2016

Dear Sarah and the Scherer family,Although my sentiments merely echo what so many are already saying, and will probably be lost amongst the masses of outreach you have undoubtedly already received, I still must send my deepest sympathies your way. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved. I never was part of his role call, but I was able to learn from him nonetheless. You are blessed to have had such a wonderful man to be your family. My thoughts have been, and will be, with you.

Debra Grey

January 1, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of "Mr. Scherer". I feel honored to have been a student of such a caring teacher and person. I still remember him from 8th grade English and drama club from 1974. Sincerely, Debra Reinhard (Grey)

Maggie Delaney-Baker

January 1, 2016

Dear Nora and family,

I am SO sorry to hear the news about Wendell's passing. He was such a good man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He is in a better place now and at peace. Love, Maggie

Carol & Ron Zimmerman

January 1, 2016

Our thought's and Prayer's are with you and your family at this time. Memories of teenage days,Our Mom's worked for the Public health department. Our Mom's name was Elsie Zimmerman.

January 1, 2016

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss our colleague and are thankful for all that he has contributed to the Kingston community. Wendell lives on through the many students who have had the honor of participating in his classroom and calling him their teacher. His professionalism and passion for teaching will go on forever. God Bless.

Joan Paccione

January 1, 2016

Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

December 31, 2015

May you continue to be a beacon of light for an enormous group of enthusiastic qualifiers of literary intelligence on your next adventure.
Peace & love Wendell
Karen Porceli

December 31, 2015

I will always remember your kindness when my mom passed away in 2001. Rest in peace. Sincerely, Frances Hart and Thomas and Heidi Baschnagel.

Kathy Walter

December 31, 2015

Nora,
I'm so very sorry to hear of Wendell's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. The happiest memories of my life are those of my time being involved with Coach House Players and the Explorers. Wendell's joie de vivre was infectious. His eyes would just twinkle and dance with excitement when he was sharing a story or some new idea that he was working on. I don't think I ever saw him in a bad mood or without a huge smile on his face. I never heard him say an unkind thing about anyone. He absolutely could draw the best out of everyone he encountered and the positive impact he had on so many lives will be his greatest legacy.

Beki

December 31, 2015

Mr. Scherer

You will be missed dearly. You taught me how to be humble and to celebrate life. Thank you for all the lessons you have shared with me as your student.

"Best Teacher Ever !"

Jill Greenberg-Byron

December 31, 2015

Reflections from Dec 7th, 2015:Today was a gift! Instead of going to a funeral service to honor one of my favorite teachers (who by the way, inspired my colleagues and I to become teachers), I was a part of a celebration, welcoming him home from the hospital to live out his final days. The theme from Rocky played as he was brought into his home and we all had noise makers, Pom poms, and cheered!!! The best part for me was having a visit face-to-face telling him how much I loved and appreciated him. I will remember Mr. Scherer forever. If my colleagues and I can have a similar impact on our students in the future as well, his legacy of inspiration will continue on throughout the generations. Life is so precious and I encourage everybody to live each moment to its fullest. Also, if you can, take the time to thank the people who inspired you along your path. It means so much and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to reflect and do so today.~Jill Greenberg Byron

December 31, 2015

Your love of life was beyond measure. Your love for people was amazing. You were a great teacher and poet. You had the greatest innate understanding of the theater of life. You are sorely missed by anyone who had the privilege of crossing your path. Ring in the new year in heaven.. They need you for sure...Jay Dorin

Andrew Broskie

December 31, 2015

I'm sorry I cannot be there. Your family is in my thoughts. You both have been in my heart's and I have the fondest memories of highschool because of both Mr scherer and you Mrs. Scherer. I cannot say what was my most memlorable moment because if it was not for those few teachers I did have or know high school wouldn't have been fun. The most memeroable of them as I said was you and Mr scherer. May his light and smile shine on in heaven as it did on earth with all of us

Marge Bennett

December 31, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Wendell's passing. He was well loved and respected in the community, throughout his teaching career, and within Coach House Players. I had the pleasure of working with Wendell on a few shows and he was such a delight. He will be missed by all. My condolences to Nora and the family.

Alice Sabo

December 31, 2015

Our deepest condolences to the family from cousins Alice and Rose

Cathy Fleck

December 31, 2015

May peace be with you Mr. Scherer. You have changed the world and many, many lives for the better! Truly one of a kind! A wonderful teacher, a wonderful man! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Nora. Sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
Cathy Fleck

Christopher Fleck

December 31, 2015

Mr. Scherer, you were the first teacher to introduce me to the creative writing experience and the joy that comes with it. Never did I have a more enjoyable time as a student than in your mythology classes during high school. I skipped plenty of classes my senior year, but not one of yours. Bask glowingly in the Elysian Fields of paradise.

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