Aaron J. CHEERMAN

Aaron J. Cheerman, 68, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born on Jan. 1, 1945 in Meriden, Aaron was the loving son of the late Abraham and Ida (Hollander) Cheerman. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Sylvia (Gutterman) Cheerman and by his family; daughter Deborah of New York City; daughter Lorie Zackin and her husband Mark and their two children Ari and Eliana of West Hartford; sisters Ruth Zuckerman of Norwich and Rosilyn Becker and her husband Jack of Lake Worth, FL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Aaron was predeceased by his sister Ann Scheer. After graduating Platt High in 1963, Aaron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served with the 6th Marine Regiment (A Special Operation Capable Unit). Aaron was Honorably Discharged from active duty in 1965 yet continued his dedicated service to the US Marine Corps League as a former editor of their newsletter, a member of the Honorary Military Order of the Devil Dogs, was appointed Chairman of their National Budget Committee and served as part of the Honor Guard at funerals of our fallen soldiers. In 2008 he received the Hardware City Detachment's Highest Honor-Marine. Aaron worked in the sewing machine business for over 40 years and was highly regarded as an honest, fair and charismatic businessman, and an authority in the industry. In 1975 he established Manchester Sewing Machine Center, which developed the largest customer base in New England and produced the largest educational programs in the industry. Aaron received numerous outstanding professional achievement awards, including being inducted into the Sewing Hall of Fame. Aaron was a longstanding member of Temple Beth Sholom (Beth Shalom B'nai Israel) and was a past president of B'nai B'rith Charter Oak Lodge. Aaron touched and enriched the lives of many, and he will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, compassion, charisma, zestfulness and valor.