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PAWLING, N.Y. -- Jay E. Sherlach, a resident of Pawling, died Saturday, April 16. He was 88.
Born Joseph E. Kirby on Dec. 18, 1927, he was the son of Katherine Kirby. Upon his mother’s deah, he took the name of his adoptive father Stuart Sherlach.
He served in the Korean War for two years. As a result of the G.I. Bill, he earned his master’s degree in education, becoming a teacher in Westchester. He started his teaching career in Scarsdale, N.Y., with several positions throughout Westchester. In 1964, he became the principal at Pawling Elementary School, a position he held for 20 years.
He retired and worked as a consultant for three years, then coming out of retirement to assume superintendent and principal roles in Westchester.
He was always present at any and all Pawling High School sports and Pawling Hockey games. He also coached the high school hockey team for several years.
Along with lifelong friend Dee DaBramo, the two started Camp Smith, a camp for special needs children that lasted for 20 years, giving fun filled summers to hundreds of kids and counselors and helping to launch careers in teaching and special education for many Pawling High School students.
He is survived by three sons, William, Robert, and Matthew; and four granddaughters, Maura, Katy, Kylie and Sylvie.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Ann; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Green Sherlach.
Visitation will be at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home in Pawling from 6-9 p.m., Friday, April 22.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John's Church in Pawling at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 23.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to “Mary’s Fund” c/o Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Ave., Norwalk CT 06851.
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