Fred Sherman Dies

by Larry Mendte

He was a character. He was a gentleman. And I miss him.

I just got the news today that Fred Sherman died.

Fred used to lift me up and make me smile every Sunday Morning.



I talked WCAU-TV into doing a live interview news program on Sunday Mornings. Live@Issue was born. It was a classic case of "be careful what you wish for." Although I loved the show and still think it is important, it meant I had to work six days a week for no extra money.

I would drag myself in every Sunday morning at 8:30. Producer Catherine Brown would hand me research about the topic and guests and I would start pouring over it as I poured Starbucks into my veins.

Like clockwork, a man with glasses shockingly curly grey hair, a big smile and a big personality would fill the newsroom at 8:45. A thick Brooklyn accent would say "Hi Laaarrry."

My mood would change immediately. Fred Sherman had that effect on people. You just had to smile.

Fred would sit down in the newsroom anchor desk, which was right next to my desk. He would smile big and take viewer questions from anchor John Blunt. He was quick, he was funny, but most of all he was smart. Fred wasn't just a radio and TV personality. He was a banker and longtime financial advisor.

He got his start with KYW radio. On KYW1060.Com, anchor Don Lancer remembers how Fred got his start 30 years ago -

"Fred called and said you know the people you have on the air doing business are terrible, they're dull, and I can do better. I said well prove it! So Fred put together a minute report and from the time I heard it until I retired, Fred was one of my main guys."

KYW fired Fred Sherman in January of this year. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, they told Fred it was because the economy was so bad. Fred replied, "I know I'm a banker." Fred called their bluff by offering to work for free. KYW radio said no. I'm certain they regret that decision today.

Fred and I would chat every Sunday. He was a guest on Live@Issue a couple of times to talk about the economy and I would marvel, not only at his intellect, but at his broadcasting talent.

We promised each other every Sunday to meet for dinner during the week, but it never happened. I regret that now.

We all would have been better with more Fred Sherman in our lives.

He was 85 years old when he died. But I am still shocked. He was so full of life, he was one of those people you just assumed would always be around.

Most people will remember Fred for one thing - his famous sign off. He told me once that he did it, not only to be memorable, but to needle Don Lancer at KYW, who was always cutting him off for time. "So I would take forever to say my name when he ended my report," he told me.

Don Lancer told KYW.Com that was all part of the shtick - "I would tell Fred just keep talking until I cut you off because they used to listen whether they loved or hated it, because they wanted to hear what was going to happen!"

This is what would happen - and one more time - "I'm Fred Sherrrrrmmmannnn."

***More about Fred Sherman at The Broadcast Pioneers, they also have audio of a Fred Sherman speech, there's more at KYW 1060 and you can download podcasts of Fred and his famous sign off by clicking here.***