Sherman Yale "Nemo" Nearman

1926 - 2024

SHERMAN "NEMO" YALE NEARMAN, age 98, of Charleston, WV, died peacefully in his sleep on July 15, 2024.
Nemo was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rita Harvit Nearman, parents Mae Lopinsky and Phillip Nearman, brothers Sidney and Robert, sister Esther Forsley, and cousin Sidney Lopinsky.
He is survived by sons, Merrill Nearman of Park City, UT, and Henry Nearman (Tammy) of Charleston; daughter, Polly Webb (Josh) of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, Megan Egnor (KC) of Clendenin, WV, Ethan Greene of Baltimore, and Davey and Zoey Nearman of Park City; great-grandchildren, Josiah and Shaun Bradsher, and Step-Grandson, Trevor Egnor, all of Clendenin; and his canine partner, Chilito.
Nemo was born June 21, 1926, in Charleston. He graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1943, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on a destroyer en route to Japan when the news came that World War II had ended. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Nemo then earned a basketball scholarship to UNC Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in sociology. Basketball was his true passion: He was a star Tar Heel player and served as team captain in 1950, also playing on Carolina's first lacrosse team. He played basketball until he was 90, leading teams to win four gold medals in the National Senior Games, and scoring the first basket at the UNC Basketball 100th Anniversary Alumni Game at age 83. He served as president of the West Virginia Senior Sports Classic.
His professional life was filled with service, leadership and variety, as he worked as a school teacher in California, an advisor to Chile's Olympic basketball team, a radio station ad and furniture salesman, owner of a mail sorting business, general manager of the Charleston Gunners professional basketball team, Consumer Protection Director for the City of Charleston, and director of Rebuilding Together. Nemo was also a founding member of the Charleston Distance Run, serving as the Director for two years and introducing the 5K and walking portions of the event, expanding the event to a greater range of athletes. Julius Nearman, Nemo's grandfather, cofounded B'nai Jacob Synagogue, where Nemo was a member, Men's Club President, Athletic Director, and President of the Chevra Kadisha.
Nemo lit up the room with his huge smile, warmth, and larger-than-life energy. While Nemo was a pillar of the community, above all, he loved his family.
Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, July 18, 2024, B'nai Jacob Synagogue, 1599 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, officiated by the honorable Rabbi Victor Urecki. For those unable to attend the service, you may view the service online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82194698071#success. Burial will follow at B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston.
Visitation will begin one hour prior at the synagogue.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the B'nai Jacob Synagogue: Mollie Lopinsky Kitchen Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston, WV.