Sherman H. "Sherm" Parker

Sherman H. "Sherm" Parker

August 20, 2025

Sherman H. "Sherm" Parker, 82, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Glens Falls Hospital with his family by his side.

Sherm is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eve Folgert Parker; his daughter, Courtney (Michael), Hillary (JR), and son; Zachary (Carey); beloved grandchildren, Collin, Brady, Avery and Reyna; brothers, Richard (Nancy) and James (Mary Ann); brothers-in-law, Emmett Folgert and Jack Besio (Susan); and loved nephews and their children.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Bertha Sherman Parker; and his sister-in-law, Teresa Folgert Besio (Jack).

Sherm was born in Rochester, N.Y., and raised in Pittsford, N.Y. He graduated from Pittsford High School, where he was Section 5/Monroe County champion in cross-country and track and field as a miler during his junior and senior years, earning All-County honors.

He received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Springfield College, MA, in History and School Administration. He was a member of the Springfield track-and-field team, where he was the top miler, placing first in numerous events, as well as becoming the first junior to be elected as team captain. Later in life, Sherm ran the New York City Marathon twice. Sherm did further graduate work and attained educational certifications at SUNY-Oswego, SUNY-Plattsburgh, and Harvard University.

An innovative and compassionate educator, Sherm devoted his life to educational equity and access, and cultivating the joy of learning. He began his career as a History teacher at North Rose-Wolcott High School, N.Y., where he later served as Curriculum Director, as well as the varsity cross-country and track and field coach, where he led teams to multiple championships. Sherm met his wife, Eve, while serving as the coordinator of a migrant educational program for families working in agriculture, providing educational opportunities to children. Eve was a child psychologist who also worked with this community. He then served as principal at Lyons High School, N.Y., followed by Newark High School, N.Y. Sherm served as superintendent at Lake George Central School District for many years before retiring in 2002. In his retirement, Sherm served as a mentor for Atlas, an organization passionate about working with multiple schools in the New York capital region. He worked with teachers and administrators to bring state-of-the-art techniques and best practices to their school districts through effective strategic planning and evidence-based and holistic approaches. He also taught courses in School Administration and in the Master of Education certification program at SUNY-Plattsburgh.

An active community member, Sherm served on the boards of the Girl Scouts and North Country Ministry. He coached soccer and baseball, loved to play golf and racquetball, and was passionate about the arts. He was also a member of the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group. Sherm served as a member of Lake George Rotary since 1986, also serving as past president. He was the recipient of the Cooperative Leadership Award from the National School Development Council and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Lake George Rotary.

The family would like to thank Sherm's many friends and caregivers for their care and concern especially Denise Richard at Hudson Headwaters and the staff of Tower Five at Glens Falls Hospital.

To honor Sherm, please offer a donation to The Sherman Parker Memorial Scholarship through the Lake George Scholarship Association, The Rotary Club of Lake George, or North Country Ministry.

There will be a Celebration of Sherm's Life at a later date.

Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home

407 Bay Road

Queensbury, New York 12804

518-793-4459