Sherman CT Obituaries

Passed away: March 9, 2026

Peter Fitzpatrick, a longtime educator who built his family's Sherman home and served as a foster parent for a decade, died on March 9, 2026, at his residence in Sherman, Connecticut. He was 63. The cause was glioblastoma, a disease he had been diagnosed with nearly two years prior.

Born on March 1, 1963, to James and Grace Fitzpatrick, Mr. Fitzpatrick was raised in Holbrook, Long Island. After graduating from Sachem High School in 1982, he attended Western Connecticut State University, where he captained the football team and met his future wife, Deirdre. It was also during his college years that he began learning the construction and carpentry trades.

Mr. Fitzpatrick spent more than 30 years as a health and physical education teacher and coach. Outside the classroom, he worked steadily in construction and utilized his carpentry skills to construct his own home in Sherman. He maintained a rigorous athletic regimen throughout his life, completing marathons and triathlons, earning a black belt in karate, and frequently climbing and hiking.

Married for 33 years, he and his wife opened their home as foster parents for ten years. Mr. Fitzpatrick is survived by his wife, Deirdre; their three children, Molly, Jack, and Ryan; his sister, Karen Chapman; and three brothers, James, Tom, and Paul Fitzpatrick. He was predeceased by two infant sons, Colin and Daniel.

The family will receive friends at St. Edward's Church on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. and a brief graveside service. A celebration of life will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Charter Hall in Sherman. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that those wishing to honor his memory spend time outdoors or with their families.

Passed away: February 20, 2026

Jean S. Sheldon, a lifelong presence in the Sherman and Gaylordsville communities who earned national recognition for her civilian service during World War II, died on February 20, 2026, at Danbury Hospital. She was 97.

Born in Gaylordsville on July 13, 1928, to Dora Carlson Thorp and Willard Thorp, Mrs. Sheldon was raised in Sherman. During the Second World War, she stepped forward to serve her community and country as a civilian aircraft observer. Her wartime dedication later earned her formal national distinction as a recognized "Rosie the Riveter" and the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal for her patriotic service.

Following the war, she married Howard Sheldon, with whom she raised two children. Mrs. Sheldon remained deeply embedded in local civic life for decades. In 1965, she became a charter member and the inaugural president of the Gaylordsville Fire Department Ladies' Auxiliary, an organization to which she devoted significant time over the years. She also served her community as a Matron and member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her daughter, Susann Cheney; her daughter-in-law, Judy Sheldon; five grandchildren, Justin, Jason, and Jesse Cheney, and Travis and Meghan Sheldon; and two great-grandchildren, Sophie and Tristan. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard, and her son, Wayne.

Passed away: February 14, 2026

Ann Gari Moskowitz, a lifelong New York resident and former local business owner who operated The Picket Fence antique shop in Sherman, Connecticut, died on February 14, 2026, at her home. She was 81.

Throughout her career, Ms. Moskowitz combined her professional endeavors with her interests in art and history. In Sherman, she established and ran The Picket Fence, a store dedicated to antiques, Americana, and folk art. Following her time in Connecticut retail, she served as the director of alumni relations for The Dalton School in Manhattan.

She is survived by her brother, Eric Moskowitz; her son, David Frank; her daughter, Ellen Frank; and five grandsons, Matthew, Jacob, Ari, Liam, and Isaac.

Funeral arrangements are private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Pollyanna (pollyanna-us.org).

Passed away: February 28, 2026

Rosemarie Stumpf died on February 28, 2026, in Sherman, Connecticut. She was 92.

Born to Rosa and Karl Kleinschrod, Mrs. Stumpf was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Adolf Stumpf.

She is survived by her son, Walter; her two daughters, Romy Giafone and Christine Gallucci; and her brother, Karl Kleinschrod Jr. Her legacy also continues through her two grandchildren, Diana Yoraschek and John Giafone, as well as five great-grandchildren: Brayden and Bryce Yoraschek, and Makenzie, John Jr., and Emma Giafone.

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Chapel, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian burial at the same location.

Passed away: January 24, 2026

Warren L. Pitcher, a resident of Sherman, Connecticut, died on January 24, 2026. He was 81.

The son of Warren R. Pitcher and Hazel Dickinson Pitcher of nearby Bridgewater, Mr. Pitcher is survived by his brother, William, and his sister, Janet. He was predeceased by his wife, Luanne Haas Pitcher.

No public services have been announced at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Passed away: October 25, 2025

Anita Louise Schaefer, a resident of Sherman, Connecticut, died on October 25, 2025. She was 88.

Born in Queens, New York, Ms. Schaefer's passing was noted by the Sherman community. No further biographical details, family survivors, or funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.