Donald Sherratt Obituary

Donald R. SherrattJuly 26, 1939 - July 10, 2023Lifelong Resident of Alameda, CAAfter a short illness, Don Sherratt passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, at 8:15 a. m. His wife, Margie, brother Rich, children and close family were lovingly by his side. Daughter Heidi was at home in Colorado, and close to his heart. As a lifelong Alamedan and oldest son to Harry and Gladys Sherratt, Don enjoyed and loved growing up in Alameda with his brother Rich, where he could be found hanging out or playing baseball with friends at many of the town's parks. He attended Mastick, Haight, and Alameda High (class of '57). Don was a strong athlete who loved baseball, playing on the varsity team through high school, and on teams at both Contra Costa College, and Fresno State University. He was a true team player and competitor, qualities he cared through in all aspects of his life. After college graduation, Don returned to Alameda to begin an amazing 40+ year career in education. He began teaching at Haight Middle School. While he thoroughly enjoyed teaching young people, Don decided to attend Cal State Hayward to earn his Administrative Credential and Master's degree. Don soon became the Vice Principal of Wood Middle. During this time, Don met and within six months on October 21, 1972, married the love of his life Margie Burns, a teacher at Wood. They had the pleasure of being an instant family with Don's daughter Heidi, by their side, and in the next few years, growing that family unit with the addition of three more children Jennifer Lyn, Joy Burns and Jeffrey Donald. Don held many administrator roles at schools within Alameda - Principal of Woodstock, VP of Alameda High, and Principal of Chipman Middle. Following those successful years,he was appointed as AUSD'S Director of Personnel and Human Resources. His commitment to education was unparalleled and did not stop upon his retirement in 2001. Throughout the years and up until his death, Don was in service to others and the community in multiple capacities. Don was on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club for over 40 years, Chairperson of the recent Measure I, 12 years as a Director of the Alameda County Fair Board, a 40 year member of Trinity Lutheran Church, served on the Alameda Recreation Commission, held many roles on the Alameda Little League, and most recently on the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame Board, to name a few. Don loved the community of Alameda and the time he spent in each of these capacities. He touched and improved the lives of those around him. The retirement years for both Don and Margie have included many of their important Alameda committees as well as exploring life beyond the island. They both have been blessed with many wonderfully full years, traveling throughout Europe, and loving family vacations. One of Don's favorite things was playing a game of slow pitch every Monday in the 70 and over league. He never gave that up and was a competitor to the end. His most favorite place was "Gramps Camp", which Don lovingly put together every year in Lake Tahoe. All his children, their spouses, and 8 grandchildren looked forward to it each July. Nobody ever missed Gramps Camp. All those who have had the privilege of meeting and knowing Don will forever remember that he greeted each person as a friend, valued family, lived his life in service and with integrity. Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margie, his children and their spouses, Jennifer Sherratt Abrahamson (Eric, preceded in death), Joy Sherratt Branson (Chris), Heidi Sherratt Bogart (Scott), and Jeff Sherratt (Elisabeth), his grandchildren, Aidan and Brooke Abrahamson, Colby Reyes Branson, Maggie and Callum Branson, Brewer Bogart, Logan and Olivia Sherratt, his brother and sister-in-law, Rich and Susan Sherratt, and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. The Celebration of Life for Donald Robert Sherratt will begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 26 (Don's birthday) at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Don Sherratt Diplomas to Degrees (D2D)" program at the Alameda Boys and Girls Club. The D2D program is a college and career readiness program that will operate year-round to ensure that middle and high school students receive support and resources to gain access to college. Please send your donation to Alameda Boys and Girls Club, 1900 Third St. Alameda, CA 94501. For further information, call Harry Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745).