George L. Sherman

George Sherman passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5th, at the age of 92 at this home in Athens, Ohio, with his children by his side. It was the completion of a long, well-lived life, guided and defined by his love of family, friends, community -- and his committed embrace of his calling as an artist, educator, advocate, and mentor.

George was born in New York City and raised in Pearl River, NY, where his parents operated the local movie house. He commuted to the Bronx to attend high school at Fieldston, where he was a standout athlete, quarterbacking the football team to a city championship, and achieving all-city baseball honors as a catcher. He then went on to attend Yale University and The Yale School of Drama, before moving to New York to begin his professional career.

George’s work as a director was seen on Broadway, as well as theaters such as Lincoln Center, The New York Public Theater, Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage, Philadelphia’s Theater For The Living Arts, and numerous off-Broadway and regional theaters. In addition, he wrote for film and television, and served as co-writer and director for the sketch comedy troupe, The Portable Circus – touring the country with four recent college graduates, in an orange, 1972 Ford Econoline van – opening for the likes of Jim Croce and Dr. Hook.

In 1975, George came to Ohio University and Athens, in search of a more stable environment for himself and his family. It was here he discovered his true calling and planted his roots. For over twenty years, as head of the Professional Director’s Training Program, he helped develop and nurture a new generation of stage directors – while forming bonds of friendship he would maintain for the rest of his life.

These bonds were not just with his directors. George also formed connections with numerous writers and actors at OU through the years, serving as mentor, champion, and friend, as they confronted the challenges of a life in the theater and struggled to build their own careers.

A man gifted with boundless energy, sharp humor, and adventurous creativity, George’s retirement years offered more opportunities for him to share those gifts and collaborate with an expanding community. He worked with his beloved friend, Bob Smiddie, to develop and stage several of his plays; he taught classes at Ohio University’s graduate film school – where he would also occasionally appear as an actor; and he also maintained his connection to the School of Theater, endowing The Scott McPherson Award, in honor of the late playwright and OU graduate, whom he had mentored in his earliest days as a writer.

George also became increasingly politically active, volunteering his time with organizations such as PFLAG and the Athens County Democrats – where he helped conceive, write, and direct advertising campaigns for several candidates.

In this last chapter of his life, George truly embraced the roots he had planted here in Athens, decades before, maintaining existing local friendships, while building new ones that emerged, serendipitously, from his everyday life. It was these friends’ love and devotion that would ultimately help him navigate the last years of his life and allow him to remain independent and connected in increasingly difficult times. He was profoundly appreciative of these and all the gifts and blessings of his life.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Rebecca (Levinson) Sherman, and his beloved dog, Chester. He is survived by his daughter Molly, son Peter, daughter-in-law Gilly, and his grandchildren Cooper, Evan, and CC. 

A gathering in his memory is planned, with an exact date and location in Athens to be determined. Please honor George’s memory by donating to The Athens County Food Pantry, PFLAG, The Athens Village, or The Shriver’s Hospice Foundation. And, as George would urge you: VOTE in November as if the future of democracy depends on it.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Hughes Funeral Home in Athens.  Friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at ehwfh.com.