Published in the September 21, 2018 edition

STONEHAM — Robert E. Sherman, 79, a resident of Stoneham, and formerly longtime of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Robert was born in Waltham on May 12, 1939, son of the late Dorothy E. (Burgess) Sherman. After graduating from Melrose High School, Class of 1957, Bob served in the US Coast Guard Reserves. He then met Gail Daffinee whom he married at Trinity Church in Melrose on September 7, 1963, and settled in Melrose to raise a family of four children.

Bob began his forty-year career as a real estate agent in Melrose. While working as an agent, he found his greatest interest was in real estate appraising. With his strong work ethic and innate integrity, Bob became a licensed Real Estate Appraiser and opened his appraisal firm, Sherman Associates, on Main Street in Melrose in 1985. Active in Melrose, Bob grew his practice through honest, hard work, and became a well respected member of the real estate appraisal community. Bob loved his job, and finally retired in 2013.

Bob was a witty, loyal and caring man who had the natural ability to make instant personal connections with new people. He was adept at telling a story or anecdote, but preferred to let others take the lead. With a strong appreciation of the City of Melrose, Bob served on the Melrose Board of Assessors, and the Melrose Historic District Commission. Over his years living and working in Melrose, Bob cultivated a large collection of Melrose history and memorabilia which he delighted in sharing with friends and family. He was also a longtime member of Trinity Church in Melrose, and enjoyed participating in the Melrose Trivia Bee with his family for several years.

Most importantly, Bob’s life can be characterized by a dedication to family. He was a devoted, loving and supportive husband, took an active role in the lives of his children, and was a deeply proud grandfather. Bob will be greatly missed, but his impact will continue in the lives of his family.

Bob was the beloved husband of Gail (Daffinee) Sherman with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Devoted father of William R. Sherman of Cambridge, Matthew R. Sherman and his wife Kathleen M. Gapp of Melrose, Carrie S. Hassall and her husband Caspar of Katy, Texas, and Richard D. Sherman and his wife Elizabeth Kocsis of White Oak, Pa. Dear brother of Phyllis Slaunwhite of S.C., and the late Douglas Perry. Loving grandfather of Elizabeth Sherman, Ben, Luke and Sophie Hassall, and Claire and Jack Sherman. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends were invited to gather in honor of Bob’s life for his funeral service at Trinity Church, 131 W. Emerson St., Melrose on Saturday and the reception to follow. Gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to your favorite charity or to Trinity Church, 131 W. Emerson St., Melrose MA 02176. For online tribute or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com