Michael Francis Sherman

Michael F. Sherman, 73, of North Kingstown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, after a yearlong fight with cancer.

A true child of the sea, Michael was an avid sailor, swimmer, and scuba diver. When the temperatures dropped, he swapped his scuba gear for skis and hockey skates—playing many pickup games on the pond in Hamilton and working ski patrol at Yawgoo Valley.

His love of the sea carried over into his first successful business, Sherman Boathaulers, which he ran alongside his father, John. Whether hauling boats down the street or down the coast, they always got the job done the right way.

The second half of his story centers in the heart of Wickford, where he became co-owner of Ryan’s Market and The Wickford Package Store. Serving the community with honesty and integrity, Michael and his business partners—Jeff, Joseph, and Robert Ryan—always found ways to provide for the needs of the town.

Michael also had a flair for the dramatic, whether performing in a Gilbert and Sullivan production with the NK Players or putting on his signature “grumpy” act for customers just trying to get him to crack a smile in the market.

Michael is survived by his wife, Mary Sherman (Ryan); his sons, John and Mike Sherman; and his loving sisters, Pat Sherman and Sandra Crowell (Sherman), along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will be met with loving embrace in the Kingdom of Heaven by his late sons, David and James Sherman; his parents, Gloria and John Sherman; and all the loved ones who have joined the Lord in eternal peace.

Family is a word open to interpretation. For Michael, family extended to all the young men and women who stocked shelves, bagged groceries, and kept his prized produce section looking its best at the Market. He was a friend, mentor, and surrogate father to many who wore the white apron.

Michael truly loved this town and the people in it.
He was born and raised in this town.
He found great love and met great loss in this town.
And now, he will rest peacefully, in this town.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM in St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown.  Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery.

Calling Hours will be held Friday from the hours of 4:00 to 7:00 PM in THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown.  

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Mike’s memory to the North Kingstown Food Pantry, 445 School Street, North Kingstown, RI 02852 will be appreciated. 

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