With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sherman Edward Bastow Jr., lovingly known as "Skip," on March 1, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Skip was a steady presence in the lives of all who knew him and a cherished member of the community he so faithfully served.

Born in Pittsfield on April 2, 1958, he was the eldest son of the late Sherman E. Bastow Sr. and Mary K. (Burke) Bastow. Raised in the Lakewood section of Pittsfield, Skip formed the deep roots and lifelong friendships that would shape his life. He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School, class of 1976, and throughout his life he was an active member of All Souls Church, including the Holy Men's Society, choir, and often assisted with the polenta suppers. After the closing of All Souls Church, Skip joined St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Each August, he made his way to the North End of Boston for Saint Anthony's Festival, joyfully embracing his love of Italy, Italian traditions, its cuisine, and his enduring faith.

From a young age, Skip felt called to serve others through the funeral service. As a teenager, he began his career at Bencivenga-Dagnoli Funeral Home, work that quickly became his life's calling. He later continued his work at Dery Funeral Home. From 1987 to 2024, and even after his retirement, a testament to his dedication, Skip walked alongside countless families in their most difficult moments, offering comfort, dignity, and strength. Known for his kindness, deep empathy, and grace, he had a remarkable ability to make others feel cared for and understood.

On May 20, 1983 he married the love of his life Sherald (Sherri) Ann Bassett at Notre Dame Church.

Above all, Skip was devoted to his family. He leaves behind a family who adored him: his three sons, Philip Bastow and his former wife Leia; Brian Bastow and his wife Michele; and Joseph Bastow and his wife Amy. He was a proud and loving grandfather (Nonno) to Harper, Henry, and June, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Bastow and his wife Tammy; his sisters, Deborah Capparrelli; Elizabeth ("Betsy") May and her husband Steve; and Katherine Burr and her husband James; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Sherald Bastow and grandparents Frances and Edward Burke, and Charles Bastow Sr. and Margaret Mispled Shepardson.

Skip is further survived by his lifelong best friend, Jeffrey Slater and his wife, Mary.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Visitation at the Dery Funeral Home will be Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 3-6PM. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held the following morning, Monday, March 9, 2026 beginning at 11AM at Sacred Heart Church, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Entombment with his beloved Sherri will follow in the St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions in Skip's memory may be made payable to the "Sherman E. Bastow, Jr. Mortuary Science Scholarship Fund" and mailed to Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

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

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Mar. 4, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Sherman Bastow

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Jeffrey J. Kemp

March 8, 2026

I worked with Skip on numerous occasions over the year with funeral escorts. His attention to detail as well as his compassion and empathy provided unending comfort to grieving families. A life dedicated to making others feel more comfortable at the worst of times; what a legacy.

Annette Wetsel

March 8, 2026

To the Bastow Family,
We offer you our sincere condolences at this very difficult time losing a brother,
father, uncle & friend. After reading several of the memories that are posted,
it is very evident Sherman/Skip lived his faith and made a difference in so many lives. In describing his warm personality and kind demeanor, the connection we have is with his brother Bob. That description clearly runs in the family! Bob married our niece Tammy and has always been kind to our family in so many ways.
The faith that was instilled within the family at early ages shines brightly through the countless ways he assisted others with compassion.
Jesus has given us the gifts of faith, hope and love; the greatest of these is love. Skip shared that greatest gift so generously.
May eternal light shine upon him, wishing all of you peace.
With our Sympathy & Love,
Aunt Annette & Uncle Paul

Sherry Woodward

March 7, 2026

What a kind and gentle spirit Skip was. My mother died many years ago and our family didn't have money for a casket so Skip sent her off in a beautiful one on him. His kindness will never be forgotten and I am sure Our Fathers has welcomed him home with... Well done my faithful servant Enter In...

Margaret Murray

March 7, 2026

Skip was a great guy! He was always smiling and friendly a gentle, kind man. We ran into each other at BigY frequently. He was always smiling and happy! A great friend!

Leah

March 7, 2026

Memories come flooding of how many people in Berkshire County he loved, helped and nurtured. His love for Shari, his kids and his community left your heart full. Keep smiling!
Ian & Leah Grandshaw Ferro

Josephine Russo

March 7, 2026

So sorry for your loss he was the nicest person always so compassionate

Timothy MEANDRO

March 6, 2026

My prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss. He was a special part of Lakewood.

Corey Stiles

March 6, 2026

My heart and prayers go out to skips family and friends. I worked with Skip at Derys for a while and he took a lot of pride and dignity in dealing with families going thru a different time. No matter what he was doing whether it was walking an old lady to a graveside or handing a young boy an umbrella, Skip took care of the families under his care. I knew Skip as a loving, caring and compassionate funeral assistant. May he rest in peace.

Heather Bachand

March 5, 2026

My deepest condolences to the Bastow family. Although I recently met skip he quickly became one of my favorites and he was always happy to see I was the nurse on duty. We laughed and joked frequently. I was so happy skip was able to enjoy thanksgiving with his whole family he couldn´t wait to go home to have that large get together.

Joan Penna

March 5, 2026

To Skip's family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I had many years working with Skip, he was always so pleasant and kind. Please know your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you all.

John & Joan Penna

Pat Barnini Rivers

March 5, 2026

Members of the Bastow family:
There are no words to adequately express the loss on the passing of Skip who was considered family. To know the Bastow family was to be blessed. Skip made you feel important whenever in his company and always talking about everything Italian especially potenta. Lakewood lost a remarkable man with a deep heart of gold and faith in God.

How truly blessed to have had the privilege to know, love, and experience the kindness of such a marvelous soul and be left with so many priceless memories.

Keeping Skip in our hearts he will forever be with us.

Chi trova un amico, trova un Tesero.
He who finds a friend, finds a treasure.
Skip was a treasure.

Pat Barnini Rivers

Mary Taylor

March 5, 2026

To Skip's Family. We are so sorry to hear of Skip's passing. I first met him when his Mom Mary and I were working at GE Plastics. First time I saw that smile. He helped our families handle the most emotional times in our lives with such care and concern. May you all find comfort knowing he made a difference in ours, and many others lives. When God meets him may he open his arms and say, Welcome home my child. You have served me well.

Mary & Patrick Taylor
Vero Beach, Florida

Kristin Gilman

March 5, 2026

Skip was such an amazing friend to our family. He worked with my Uncle Wayne Montagna at Dery's.Funeral Home. Skippy will be remembered as a loving, kind, and supportive friend. He always had a smile on his face, My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Suzanne Slater Larocque

March 4, 2026

Very sorry to hear of Skip´s passing. A family friend for years as far back as I can remember as a young child. My Religion teacher, a neighbor and great person and friend. Will be dearly missed. Very sorry for your loss.

The Martin

March 4, 2026

So sorry to hear of Skip's passing.A longtime neighbor on Bushey road.The hundreds of times we drove by Skip always gave a friendly wave and always asked about the family on our visits to Dery's.Phil, Brian and Joe have followed in their Parents footsteps in being friendly and kind.I'm sure your beloved wife is waiting at heaven gates.

T & L

March 4, 2026

Skip was an absolutely wonderful person. He was a compassionate human being. Everyone should strive to be half as compassionate as he was. Prayers to him family. RIP Skip

Dan Wood

March 4, 2026

I went to school with Sherman many years ago. He was always happy and his constant good mood was catchy. He is definitely the type of person remembered with a smile and good feeling. I'm sure he is now with the Lord and smiling down on us. My condolences to his family.

Gail Krumpholz

March 4, 2026

I am so saddened to hear of Skip´s passing. I enjoyed seeing him and his family over many years at the Highland Restaurant. Skip was always such a kind and caring man who showed such a profound love for his family and community. It was an absolute honor and pleasure to have known Skip. My thoughts and prayers are with his sons and family. May you all find comfort in knowing what a wonderful legacy he leaves.
Gail Krumpholz

Lori Moon

March 4, 2026

Skip was one of a kind. As a former Hospice nurse, we worked together for many years. I was always so grateful when Skip showed up for a family. I knew they were in the best hands and he would take care of them. There is a special place in heaven for him.
Lori Moon

Dan Forsley

March 4, 2026

Skip was the next door neighbor everybody wishes they had. He'll be there forever.

Jeanne Baccoli

March 4, 2026

To Skip's family,
I am saddened to read of his passing. He was very caring and his wonderful personality shown in his smile. I knew him through the funeral business, seeing him more frequently as we aged. He handled my parents arrangements with loving consideration, and at the most painful time, even made me laugh! He shared a personal story about my family that I would never have otherwise known! Priceless. May you be comforted knowing his loss is felt by many who are holding you up in prayer. Rest In Peace dear Skip. My sincerest sympathy,

Shelley (French) Levesque

March 4, 2026

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Charlotte M Costigan

March 4, 2026

I loved seeing you in town, always with a smile and a kind word.
Rest In Paradise, Skip.
You will be missed.

kevin rattigan

March 4, 2026

I am saddened to hear the news of skippy's passing. He was a staple in the lakewood community. He was a kind and gentil person. He took great care of my mother and father in their passing he will be missed

Karen (Stimpson) Theoret

March 4, 2026

To Skip's family, he will always be in my mind a great kid and man. Skip was a neighborhood friend, classmate and friend for life. He was always kind and considerate of others. I will miss him, as he helped my family through many difficult times with his amazing work. Rest Easy my friend.

John A. Bernardo Esq

March 4, 2026

My condolences to the family.May the fond and loving memories be a comfort and always be with you

Elaine Daniels

March 4, 2026

My deepest sympathy and prayers to you all. Skip had always been the one who helped us thru our family heartaches since he has been with Dery. He made it easier to cope with our grief.
May his memories become your treasures.
Love, Elaine Daniels

Lucy Baldessarini

March 4, 2026

Skip was a true friend to me, my family in so many ways. He work along side of my Dad for all the polenta dinner fund raiser at All Souls. Skip was a guy you could always count on. May his memories be a blessing to all.

Love,

Lucy

Michelle St Marie

March 4, 2026

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Nancy Colvin

March 4, 2026

Skip is walking with the spirit in the sunlight

Peter & Susan Salvatore

March 4, 2026

To The Bastow Family, So sorry to hear of Skip's passing, he was great a great presence at times when families needed him most. He will surely be missed. Condolenscences to all.

Patty Holmes-Alcombright

March 4, 2026

Skip was always so kind & caring. He helped us through many family losses. He will be so missed. Thoughts & prayers to his loved ones.

Kurt Haswell

March 3, 2026

My heart literally breaks for the Bastow Family, I am truly sorry for their loss.
I had known of Skip like many others in our community.
But it wasn´t until I was hired as a part time Hearse Driver, four months after my wife passed away that I had the opportunity to work side by side with Skip.
He was a great coworker, mentor and friend and I will miss his smile!
Rest in Peace, my friend!

Tammy Bastow

March 3, 2026

Skip was not only family he was a friend to my husband Robert and I. We had many great days out shopping and dining. He loved The Rose and Little Italy in Springfield. We miss him terribly, and will always love him.

The Staff of Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home

March 3, 2026

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

Lynn Marie Arseneau

March 3, 2026

When I saw Sherman's obituary I said, " I know him", but I could not place him. Then I read his obituary and realized who he was. He's the man that was kind, empathetic, comforting, calm, and gentle. At wakes and funerals, he left an impression on grieving families and friends that I'm sure we'll all treasure forever. One act of kindness makes a difference.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you're comforted knowing these things. God bless you.

Val Mongue

March 2, 2026

To Skips family,

I am so saddened to read this. I have known your Dad/brother for many years, my brothers Paul and David Brown were friends in school. He was such a gentle soul! He helped our family through many sad times, he was always there for us!! I hope you can find some comfort in this sad time knowing he touched so many peoples lives.

Val

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