Sherman Harris

Sherman Harris, a well- known restaurateur in Palm Springs, died October 2, 2008, at the age of 84, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Born in Superior, WI, in 1923, he joined the Army at age 18. He fought in five major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. After four years, he returned home on the Queen Mary in 1946 with a German shepherd he had rescued hidden in his duffel bag. Sherman moved to Palm Springs in 1950 and worked as a cook at Laury's Steak Ranch, where he originated early bird dinners in 1951. Twenty-five years later, he had five restaurants/delicatessens of his own in the Palm Springs area. His first deli, opened in 1963, was across the street from the Spa Hotel. His restaurants became a tradition and a favorite hangout for locals. At any given time, patrons could find Keely Smith, Shecky Green, Ralph Young and Tony Sandler, and many other celebrities at Sherman's restaurants. In addition to his delis, Sherman handled all of the concessions - including two gift shops and the Alpine Restaurant - at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for 33 years, beginning in 1965. Sherman's pet charity was the Stroke Recovery Center in Palm Springs. He designed the kitchen and dining areas and for weeks spent his "day off" driving hundreds of miles all over Southern California to find restaurant equipment the center needed, which he would then buy and donate. He also served on the center's board of directors. Another of his favorite charities was the Living Free animal sanctuary in Mountain Center, to which he donated his Dodge van and which they still call "Sherman's Tank." Because his oldest son, Charles, required dialysis for years before he passed away in 1988 at age 34, Sherman became a major contributor to kidney research. On his 75th birthday, family, friends, and devotees of his restaurants gathered to celebrate Sherman's contributions to the community at the unveiling of his star on Palm Springs' Walk of Stars on Palm Canyon Drive. Sherman is survived by daughter Janet Harris Schulman; son Sam Harris; grandsons, Matthew Power and Chas Harris; granddaughter Raquel Harris; sisters, Sylvia Marcovitch and Florence Sanders; and his companion of 20 years, Rosemary Cinque. Memorial services will be held October 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Isaiah, 332 W. Alejo Road, Palm Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.