David P. Sherman

David P. Sherman 73, of Scituate, passed away peacefully at home on Friday August 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. After a courageous battle with Stage IV melanoma, David leaves behind a legacy of mentorship and service that touched countless lives throughout his community. His lifelong commitment to others was reflected in his proud achievement as an Eagle Scout, his decades of dedication as a Scouter, and his steadfast advocacy for working people as a founding member of the UAW Local 2121.

David was born on January 29, 1952 in Providence, the third son of the late William A. and Eileen R. (McGauran) Sherman. He was the brother of William A. Sherman Jr and the late Richard J. Sherman. David grew up in Garden City, Cranston, RI, and graduated from Cranston East High School Class of 1971. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Franklin Pierce University Class of 1975. In the late 1980s, he planted his roots in Scituate where he built his home. On September 30, 1989, he married Luanne E. Rota in a ceremony aboard the Bay Queen on Narragansett Bay.

David earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 66 in Garden City in 1968, marking the beginning of a lifelong devotion to Scouting and community service. Mentoring youth and giving back to his community became his life's work. Within the Scouting world, David held many roles, from serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 66 in the 1980s to contributing to the Yawgoog Scholarship Committee for the Narragansett Council, Scouting America. His decades of dedication were recognized with the Silver Beaver Award in 1994, and more recently, the George Meany Award in 2024.

In recent years, David retired after more than 25 years as a table games dealer at Foxwoods Resort and Casino, where he was a founding organizer and one of the most influential voices in the creation of UAW Local 2121. He served as the Local's first Vice President and Chief Shop Steward, later chairing the Joint Health and Safety Committee for over a decade. In this role he championed protections for workers, including a no-smoking policy in casinos. David also served on the bargaining committee and as a Trustee, consistently standing up for his colleagues and their rights. His leadership and advocacy helped shape the union into what it is today, leaving an enduring legacy within the workplace and beyond.

In retirement, David found joy in supporting local sports teams, especially his recent favorite, Rhode Island FC. Although he never had the chance to visit their new stadium, he rarely missed a game on local television. He also cherished time with family and friends, most memorably hosting his annual New England clam bake each summer in celebration of his wife's birthday.

He was the beloved husband of Luanne (Rota) Sherman, with whom he shared 36 years of a devoted and joyful marriage. In addition to his wife, David is survived by his three sons: David Sherman Jr. and his fiancée, Brieanna Fuentes; Michael Sherman; and John Sherman and his fiancée, Brittany Gagnon. He also leaves his brother, William A. Sherman Jr, Sister-in-Law Nancy M. Sherman as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family are encouraged to honor his life at visitation hours Tuesday August 19, 2025 from 5:00–7:00pm in The Butterfield Chapel 500 Pontiac Avenue Cranston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the next morning on Wednesday August 20, 2025 at 10:00am in St. Joseph's Church 144 Danielson Pike North Scituate. Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery North Kingstown followed by a funeral reception at the Carriage Inn.

Family flowers only, please. Donations in David's honor may be made to Friends of Troop 66 C/O Kate Caito Treasurer 97 Hilltop Drive Cranston, RI 02920