Condolences

Sherry was a fraternity brother of mine and I worked with him waiting tables at Trinkaus Manor when we were in college. Sherry was whip smart, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a frat party with gusto. I always recall fondly our tipping a glass after working a long shift at the restaurant. He was unfailingly positive and supportive. A life well lived by a first-class guy.

While I did not know Mr. Boehlert personally, I think he was an excellent
congressman and would like to express my sincere condolences to all his family.
Gloria Nellenbach

Marianne and family,

My deepest condolences on your loss. I was fortunate to have met Sherry when he spoke to our college class as Oneida County Executive; then to be hired by him for my first paying job out of college (in his first Congressional term) as a legislative aide in Washington; and then to work with him on one of his signature issues, acid rain. And I was fortunate to have as an example his special brand of leadership – practical and cooperative, yet principled and fearless -- which has helped me to this day. I will always be in his debt.

Marianne and family,

I’m so sorry for your loss. Sherry was the kind of principled, bipartisan politician that is increasingly scarce. When I met him on a trip to Washingtonian in 1984 to participate in the Washington Workshops Congressional Seminar, Sherry took time to meet me and really inspired me to attend Georgetown University and work so many years in politics, including in his office on Capitol Hill.

With deepest sympathy,
Perry Zizzi

Decades ago, Sherry Boehlert was a dear friend of my late husband Bert Levine, so it is with tremendous sadness that I just read his obituary. Sherry was one of the finest human beings Bert ever worked with and certainly one of the finest members of Congress. He was the antithesis of what we call a politician today, all compassion and no ego. His heart was always in the right place; the well-being of his constituents was all he cared about. He and Bert loved to talk baseball and family and politics because both were progressive Rockefeller-style Republicans which barely exist any longer. Bert so valued Sherry's friendship. We still have a beautiful pool cue that Sherry gave Bert as a thank-you for something. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to the family. Sherry was one-of-a-kind!

My condolences to Marianne and family on the loss of a great man. He was special in the lives of Dorthy and myself. We enjoyed the many conversations at my restaurant about sports and politics. He had a successful political life and we need more Sherries in congress today. May he rest in peace.

I am sorry to hear that Sherry has died. He was a very capable and honorable person who had a life of accomplishments to be proud of.
Mark Morchower, classmate and fraternity brother and co-worker at Trinkaus Manor

Congressman Boehlert gave me a start to the United States Military Academy at West Point when he was the Chief of Staff to Congressman Mitchell. He was an American patriot, who served our nation and supported those who defend it. We are thankful to have known him. His kindness, support and friendship will be long remembered. God rest his soul and bless his family.

Sending heartfelt condolences to Maryann and the entire Boehlert family.
My father, Carlton Spitzer, and Sherry were friends and colleagues for many decades. I first met Sherry when I was a young child, his kindness and gentleness made him a person I liked! Reading about his life's work to benefit people and the environment explains why he and my dad remained friends for so long. What a lovely and important legacy. Thank you Sherry for your life well lived.

I had the honor for working for The Honorable Sherwood Boehlert for my first job after graduating from college. He made me feel immediately at home, and valued, even though I was just a fresh grad. While always professional, he ensured all felt at ease working for "Sherry." He was delighted like a kind uncle when he found out that another staffer and I became engaged. He was always a gentleman, kind-hearted, caring deeply about his constituents first, the country, and the environment. I treasure my memories of that time and have the highest regard for all that he accomplished. My deepest condolences to the Boehlert family on your loss.

Maryanne,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I fondly recall the story you told me (so many years ago) about how you and Sherry met on an airplane...cheers!
Jay L. Bloom

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of my dear friend Sherry Boehlert. Congressman Boehlert - Chairman Boehlert - was a sage mentor, passionate advocate for his constituents, inspired national leader on countless policy matters of profound import to every citizen of our country. A model public servant and diligent legislator, he was truly one of the most remarkable statesmen of our time. We all so fortunate to have known him and to be inspired by his indomitable optimism that all things are possible when we work together. Most of all, I will be forever appreciative for his constant professionalism, personal courtesy, and inexhaustible friendship. May God grant him rest and reward for a life of service so well lived.

Sean O’’Keefe, Professor
Maxwell School
Syracuse University
10th NASA Administrator

As the lobbyist for two airlines (Pan Am and US Airways) during Sherry's time in Congress, I worked with him often. Unfortunately, the airlines had some tough times and had to make difficult choices which impacted Sherry and his district more than once. He was always a gentleman when I had to deliver bad news and willing to work with me on a variety of issues. I appreciated his kindness and his helpfulness throughout the years.
One couldn't work with him that long without realizing his dedication to his family and community. I know you will miss him, but hope you never forget the work he did to make all your lives better.

Thank You Sir for your dedication to the people. I benefited from your service. I will not forget it.

Marianne and family.
So sorry for your loss. I hope the many find memories will help ease the pain in the days ahead.
Sherry and I had many battles over the years, but they always, always respectful disagreements on policy and we always supported his many efforts on which we agreed.
He was a staunch member of Congress and always with a smile to light the day.
And, if course, we had the Yankees in common.
Revel in the memories.

Condolences to Marianne and Family. I miss the "Old Days" at the Ridgewood Plaza, South Utica coffee group. Sherry would frequently arrive on weekends and when Congress was not in Session, wearing his standard NYY baseball cap and lead discussion group's on a variety of always interesting topics.
RIP Congressman.

I have the fondest memories of Congressman Boehlert. His office was instrumental in helping me get my now husband here from Russia. Full of patience and incredibly friendly. We are forever grateful!!

I'm sorry to hear of the death of this remarkable man. After reading this obituary, I see why. The numerous effects of the many contributions he made to ecology, the Adirondacks, Rome revitalization etc. will be felt and rippled down for decades and affect so many people. We owe so much to this man's dedication and work. My condolences to his family and friends.

My condolences to the family. Its been a few years but i remember Cousin Sherry with such a kind smile and gentle heart. I remember stories of how when my Dad Thomas Boehlert and his brother were kids Cousin Sherry babysat them i remember when i was a teenager he took us to the white house for a tour. He will be missed. Know you all hold a part of him in your heart always. Keep him alive in your memories and stories. Love , Elizabeth Boehlert Barrieault and family.

Mr. Boehlert was one of the best County Executives. He was a great person and an outstanding leader. When I was his Mental Health commissioner, he gave me his full support and friendship. He would stop down to my office on a regular bases to say hello and ask me how things were going. He always gave out compliments to me and the staff. He will be missed.

Richard Lallier

Our sincere condolences to you, Marianne, and to all Sherry's most loving family.

We are grateful for you sharing this very special, gifted public servant with the people of Central New York, and with the legions of people across the nation who admired him and looked to his leadership on protecting the environment and leaving the planet better than we found it. His is surely an enduring legacy of caring for his neighbor, a selfless dedication to national service and, most of all, infinite love for his family (and the New York Yankees!)

We love you, Sherry, and thank you for a solid gold friendship over the many years. God be with you.

+May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in His peace.

Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family. As a friend of Leslie’s growing up, Congressman Boehlert was a shining example of generous service and always greeted us with a smile that made us feel welcome.

Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

I resided in Oneida County from 1978-2001 and would read and hear about Sherwood Boehlert in the news. He was a regular name in politics in Central New York and all of New York State.

Congressman Boehlert was the critical individual in getting funding and public support for several key highway projects within the Mohawk Valley accomplished. Two of the key projects were the completion of the Utica Rome Expressway in Marcy and Route 840 ( Judd Road Extension). He would always ask what projects the NYSDOT had that he could assist on. One of the finest individuals I have ever met. Rest In Peace.

Stephen Zywiak

Very sorry to hear of Sherry's passing. May he rest in peace , condolences to his entire family.

Sherry had a heart of gold. I owe him so much. For twenty years, 1973-1993, he was always willing to spend the time teaching and guiding me through my Legislative Director duties and responsibilities. Constituent service, regardless of party affiliation, was his top priority. His fervent support of Griffiss AFB, RADC, and all fuel dealers in the district during the petroleum crisis of the 70's, saved so many jobs. His military and veteran casework assistance was second to none. I have so many fond memories of our long relationship. Our country has lost a true patriot. My condolences to Marianne and all of Sherry's children.