Alan Lee Sherman, born May 28, 1938 in Washington D.C., passed with his beloved family surrounding him on January 17, 2017. Alan was 78 years old. In August 2016, Alan was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a motor neurone disease, which causes the destruction of neurons, which control voluntary muscles. In most cases there is no known cause of ALS with 90% of 95% cases being a mystery. Approximately 5-10% are known to be genetic, inherited from a person’s parents.

A highly respected and esteemed leader, Alan served his community through his dedication and commitment as a Rotarian through the Coto De Caza/Trabuco Canyon Rotary. His impact on local, regional and global issues was far reaching including initiatives that led to eradication of polio, feeding and caring for military families through Families Left Behind and providing school-age children with reading and literacy programs. A fund has been established in Alan’s name for the Rotary’s “Families Left Behind” Initiative. A mechanical engineer, Alan had a thriving career with McDonnell Douglas a major American aerospace manufacturing corporation and defense contractor. Alan’s efforts with the Saturn Launch Vehicle Program enabled the United States to successfully accomplish the Apollo and Skylab Programs.

Alan was married to Doris “Dolly” “Dee” Sherman his high school sweetheart. They shared a once in a lifetime love and marriage of nearly 58 years. He is survived by his wife Dolly and his four children Robert, Kim, Jill and her spouse Sean, and Erin and her spouse Trevor and his brother Matthew Sherman. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Charlie Goodwin, Dillon Lee Craft, Micah Goodwin, Jesse Goodwin, Alexis Long and Brody and Olivia Loo. Alan was born to parents Martin and Edith Sherman. The family, friends and members of the community will gather at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary in Costa Mesa, California on January 23rd, 2017 at 11 a.m. The ALS Memorial Charity Fund in Honor of Alan Sherman has been established to further research and find cures to fight the devastating disease

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