Erik M. Sherman, 43, passed away on February 25, 2026.

Erik lived and died with a tremendously courageous and resilient spirit; he had a quiet yet fierce inner strength. Erik's life can be a lesson for all of us. No amount of hardship, loss or pain can make us turn bitter or dim our own inner light unless we choose to allow it. This is true strength, and a rare form of it. It's one of the many characteristics that made Erik so special.

Ten years ago, and after years of searching for answers among doctors, Erik was diagnosed with an ultra-rare and terminal genetic disease at 33 years old that completely upended his life. At 43 years old, Erik met the devastating fate he grieved at 33. While he remarkably survived longer than nearly all the other individuals that had ever been diagnosed worldwide, his life was still cut short. He endured and fought for life as he simultaneously carried the burden of a disease that dealt him increasingly severe functional limitations; and mounting piles of loss from both his physical and emotional worlds. Erik didn't even complain, but merely felt and softly expressed the emotional weight of it all. He did so without ever framing himself as a victim, or even unintentionally directing his pain towards those who surrounded him. Authentic grace is a powerful trait, but also one that's too easy to miss in such a loud and chaotic world. Erik embodied what it meant to live with grace because it came from his very core.

Erik was not his illness, but how he lived with it showed his true colors. No amount of suffering ever turned his heart cold or bitter. He was the most patient person I ever knew. When loss consumed his life, he never turned his pain to vengeance. In the face of profound adversity, he never lost touch with the kind, gentle, and forgiving person he had always been.

Growing up Erik loved nature and the outdoors, becoming passionate about his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. Once in high school, he taught himself how to build computers (completely on his own) which led to a very fruitful career in IT. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2005. After graduation, he earned one professional certification after another and excelled in his career as a Systems Administrator. Erik worked in a high level cyber security role for a company contracted out by the Dept. of Defense up until two years before his passing.

Erik loved unconditionally, and cherished being a father to his two children Lucas Sherman (age 10) and Maddie Sherman (age 4). He is also survived by his parents Carol Sherman (70) and Paul Sherman (70), as well as his younger sister Lindsay Sherman (39).

Services will be held at a later date. 

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.