Fred Sherman

Who was Fred Sherman?

Fred Sherman was an American economist, businessman and business commentator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sherman broadcast as a business commentator on KYW News Radio for more than 25 years until his retirement in January 2009 due to budget cuts at the station. He was known to radio and television audiences for his trademark sign-off, "I'm Fred Sherrrrrman."

Sherman was born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents, Nathan and Eva Sherman. His father owned a candy store, while his mother was a teacher. He graduated from Washington Heights High School in the Bronx and took courses at New York University, but did not earn a degree from NYU. He would later enroll at Temple University.

Sherman enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, and served in the 82d Airborne Army Rangers. Sherman flew missions over Nazi-occupied France before and after the 1944 D-Day Invasion.

Sherman considered becoming a journalist following World War II, but began working at his father-in-law's furniture business instead. He left the furniture business when he was 60 years old and obtained his stockbroker's license the same year. He eventually became the chief economist for both Sovereign Bank and Royal Bank America, which is based in Narberth, Pennsylvania.