Sherman "Nemo" Nearman
Passed: July 15, 2024
Charleston, WV
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Sherman "Nemo" Nearman
Passed: July 15, 2024
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Sherman “Nemo” Yale Nearman, age 98, of Charleston, WV, died peacefully in his sleep on July 15, 2024.
Nemo was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rita Harvit Nearman, parents Mae Lopinsky and Phillip Nearman, brothers Sidney and Robert, sister Esther Forsley, and cousin Sidney Lopinsky.
He is survived by sons, Merrill Nearman of Park City, UT, and Henry Nearman (Tammy) of Charleston; daughter, Polly Webb (Josh) of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, Megan Egnor (KC) of Clendenin, WV, Ethan Greene of Baltimore, and Davey and Zoey Nearman of Park City; great-grandchildren, Josiah and Shaun Bradsher, and Step-Grandson, Trevor Egnor, all of Clendenin; and his canine partner, Chilito.
Nemo was born June 21, 1926, in Charleston. He graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1943, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on a destroyer en route to Japan when the news came that World War II had ended. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. Nemo then earned a basketball scholarship to UNC Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in sociology. Basketball was his true passion: He was a star Tar Heel player and served as team captain in 1950, also playing on Carolina’s first lacrosse team. He played basketball until he was 90, leading teams to win four gold medals in the National Senior Games, and scoring the first basket at the UNC Basketball 100th Anniversary Alumni Game at age 83. He served as president of the West Virginia Senior Sports Classic.
His professional life was filled with service, leadership and variety, as he worked as a school teacher in California, an advisor to Chile’s Olympic basketball team, a radio station ad and furniture salesman, owner of a mail sorting business, general manager of the Charleston Gunners professional basketball team, Consumer Protection Director for the City of Charleston, and director of Rebuilding Together. Nemo was also a founding member of the Charleston Distance Run, serving as the Director for two years and introducing the 5K and walking portions of the event, expanding the event to a greater range of athletes. Julius Nearman, Nemo’s grandfather, cofounded B’nai Jacob Synagogue, where Nemo was a member, Men’s Club President, Athletic Director, and President of the Chevra Kadisha.
Nemo lit up the room with his huge smile, warmth, and larger-than-life energy. While Nemo was a pillar of the community, above all, he loved his family.
Funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at B’nai Jacob Synagogue, 1599 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, officiated by the honorable Rabbi Victor Urecki. For those unable to attend the service, you may view the service online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82194698071#success. Burial will follow at B’nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston.
Visitation will begin one hour prior at the synagogue.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the B’nai Jacob Synagogue: Mollie Lopinsky Kitchen Fund.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com .
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston, WV.
9 responses to Sherman "Nemo" Nearman
David Burstein says:
September 23, 2024
Hello Nearman family,
Many years ago I visited my cousin Nemo. I don’t remember exactly how long ago but he told me that his son, Henry, was going to have his bar mitzvah the following year.
My cousin Miriam just informed me of his passing and though we’ve never met I would like to express my sympathy.
He and your mother were most hospitable and let me stay at their home even though they were going to (I think ) a football game out of town.
Wishing you only good things in the future.
David Burstein
Manchester CT
Keith L. Smith says:
August 14, 2024
Mr. Sherman ‘Nemo’ Nearman: thank you.
Thanks for the hospitality that you and Miss Rita showed, for the many times I’ve spent in your home as a childhood friend of Merrill. You made me feel like a member of the family, and I will be forever grateful. 💜
Charlie Mandt says:
July 19, 2024
I only heard stories of Nemo. I never met him. He seemed bigger than life to me and someone to aspire to be like. I was often compared to him by my grandfather, Charlie Mandt who was married to my grandmother, Virginia Nearman. I would here how there was a titan of man whom my granddad told me was my uncle Nemo who loved basketball just like me. Somehow without ever meeting him and through the stories of Nemo he influenced me in a big way. Knowing that his blood coursed through my veins gave me the confidence to pursue a life of basketball that took me all over the world. I was never introduced to many people from my grandmother’s side of the family and reading this obituary now has me more in awe of him that he impacted so many people and I can’t help but imagine how it truly would have been to meet him in person and the knowledge I might have gained. So, now, although it is too late to tell him personally I will say it here. Thank you Uncle Nemo for the courage and inspiration real and imagined. You impacted me in ways you never knew.
Bob Siebel says:
July 18, 2024
For many years I served on the Long Distance Run committee with Nemo-he was always a joy to work with.My prayers go out to his family and friends!
Jeff Jones says:
July 17, 2024
Nemo was a such an incredible person. Although I hadn’t seen him in years I would catch myself thinking of him along with my dad and other every year around Charleston Distance Run time. He had an incredible life. Condolences to Merrill, Henry and Polly.