Stanley "Zack" Cherry

CHERRY, Stanley "Zack" Director, writer, producer, psychologist Stanley Z. Cherry died of cancer, September 27 in his Studio City home. He was 74. Born in Los Angeles, Cherry graduated UCLA before serving in the Army Signal Corps, where he produced and directed over 30 films and rose to the rank of Captain. After a brief stint with literary agency H.N. Swanson, Cherry moved to local affiliate ABC-TV where he won two national documentary awards. He directed multiple episodes in numerous television series such as "Flipper," "Gilligan's Island," "Petticoat Junction" and "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis", as well as episodes of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Addams Family." Cherry wrote the feature film "Bunny O'Hare," which starred Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine and the television movie "Congratulations, It's a Boy!" Along with his wife Carole, he co-wrote TV movies "Illusions," "Cowboy" and "Carpool." "Zack" was a man of many talents. He was a member of the DGA, the WGA and SAG. He was also a member of ASCAP, and wrote much of the music for his television projects. He played a variety of musical instruments, was an accomplished painter, sculptor, gourmet cook, and spoke five languages. He loved walking and hiking throughout Los Angeles with friends and his brother-in-law Ron Kaplan. He enjoyed tap dancing and was an avid gardener. After retiring from show business at age 60, Mr. Cherry enrolled at Pepperdine University, earning a masters degree in psychology. He spent his remaining years practicing as a licensed family therapist, focusing on issues indigenous to Hollywood, in addition to leading a support group at USC for cancer survivors. He was truly both a visionary and a Renaissance man. In addition to Carole, his beloved wife for forty years, he is survived by his children, Adam Cherry and Alison Zuber, stepchildren Steve Katleman, Lisa Sherman, and Michael Katleman, and twelve loving grandchildren. He will be forever missed by his loving family and friends. Donations may be made to the International Head & Neck Institute at USC, 1520 San Pablo Street, Suite 4600, Los Angeles, CA 90033-4605.