Charles Sherman, 80, had a passion for gardening

Charles W. Sherman, 80, formerly of Naugatuck, died Feb. 25, 2010, in Tampa, Fla., with his family by his side. He was the husband of Edith (Schaaf) Sherman for nearly 59 years.

Mr. Sherman was born July 9, 1929, in Waterbury, son of the late Maurice and Martha (Levitsky) Sherman.

He was a 1947 graduate of Crosby High School, a 1951 graduate of the College of Agriculture at the University of Connecticut and served in the Army achieving the rank of sergeant.

Mr. Sherman was the owner of Sherman Florist and Greenhouses in Naugatuck and also worked as a foreman in the footwear division of Uniroyal in Naugatuck and CHR Industries in New Haven.

Mr. Sherman was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Brookfield and a former member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Naugatuck.

He was a member of the Naugatuck Garden Club and Valley Vagabonds walking group.

Mr. Sherman had a passion for gardening, was a consummate handyman, enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing golf with his children and grandchildren, and hiking and traveling the world with his wife.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Sherman is survived by six children and 13 grandchildren, William, and his wife, Deborah, and their children, William, Brian and John, of Cheshire, David, and his wife, Patricia, and their children, David and Daniel, of Naugatuck, Maude Chasse, and her husband, Raymond, and their children, Rachel and Eric, of Woodbury, Paul, of Andover, Kan., Charles Jr., and his wife, Susan, and their children, Airman 1st Class Charles III, David and Kristine, of Naugatuck, and Clare Zimmitti, and her husband, Erik, and their children, Jason, Ryan and Adam, of New Milford. He was predeceased by a brother, Maurice, and a sister, Barbara Wilke.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.