WILMINGTON — Sheldon Scherer passed away on January 12, 2023. He was one of a kind.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, on April 10, 1941, to parents Joseph and Beatrice Scherer. Affectionately known as Shelly, he attended Worcester Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Bryant College in Rhode Island. He moved to Los Angeles in 1968 and began his lifelong career with Merrill Lynch in the Westwood office. It was in this office where he met and worked with Bill Barbour and Dave Rosenfeld, who became long lasting colleagues and friends. At a funeral in August of 1969, he met his soon-to-be wife Carole Antolini, and they were married by February 1970. After enjoying their life in California and having two daughters, Shannon and Erin, Carole was offered a job in New York City. Shelly proudly followed her to New York and prospered with Merrill Lynch in Manhattan.
In New York, Shelly found his niche in living in Plandome on Long Island and being a member of the Plandome Country Club. He treasured his time at Plandome Country Club and loved playing golf and having dinner with his pals. Shelly was an avid collector of golf memorabilia which brought him such joy and he was so proud of his collection. Shelly was a true Merrill Lyncher, working for the firm for 53 years in Los Angles, New York and Wilmington, North Carolina. Shelly made the transition from West-to-East-to-South without missing a beat. Shelly loved his career and was honored to call many of his client’s friends. Shelly worked at Merrill Lynch until the day he went into the hospital.
Shelly fell in love with Wilmington on a golf trip with his dear friend Bob Rosburg. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, so he bought a house in Landfall on the golf course the next day. Shelly was quick with a smile, easy with a laugh and swift to make decisions. Shelly never met a person that he did not like. His generosity was his trademark. Shelly always excelled in this area, whether mentoring young people in their careers on Wall Street or connecting someone with the right person in order to help them.
Shelly had a sense of humor that was so unique, it was deadpan and unexpected, a true treasure to all that knew him. His grandchildren were his greatest source of pride. He loved spending time with them, and it filled his heart that they shared his passion for golf and grilling. If you were lucky enough to know Shelly, he was often found driving around Wilmington in his red convertible, hair blowing in the wind, with his CHIC MGN license plate.
Shelly is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carole, and daughters Shannon Hale, son-in-law Clay, and grandchildren Davis, Timmy, and Evie, who reside in New York City and his daughter Erin Temple and son-in-law Spence, who live in Wilmington.
Shelly’s family is grateful for the kindness of many friends and the support of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
In lieu of flowers, Shelly would be honored by donations to his beloved boarding school, Worcester Academy and Lower Cape Fear LifeCenter.
Shelly lived life to the fullest and touched so many people. He will be missed but never forgotten.
