Biographies

Irving H. Sherman

Irving H. Sherman

Name:
Irving H. Sherman

Born:
July 21, 1900

Joined AGB:
1926

Primary Dept/Div:
Corporate finance, Executive

Primary Office:
New York

Irving Sherman was born in 1900. He graduated from Cornell in 1922 after which he worked for a subsidiary of the DuPont Company (where he learned German) joining Becker’s New York office in 1926 in sales. Shortly, Irv was called to Europe to join Bob Schaffner and colleagues and assist them in firm investments in France, Germany, and Switzerland, and in originating German underwritings. The firm decided to open an office in Berlin which Irv accomplished in 1929, relocating to that city. Irv was elected a Vice-President in 1935. During the 1930s Irv handled Becker’s agency role in the repurchase of German dollar obligations held in the U.S., and assisted many Jews in leaving Germany until Irv himself left in September, 1939. For further information regarding Irv’s work in Germany and career during and after the War, see the Chronicle. Irv was elected Vice-Chair in 1961 and he retired in 1967. Irv died in 2001, at the age of 101. Irv is buried in Woodstock, NY.

Obituary:
From NYT. Sherman, Irving H., passed away July 21, 2001. He had a front row seat on many of the pivotal events of the 20th century. Born and raised in NYC, he graduated from Stuyvesant High School and attended Cornell University on scholarship. Mr. Sherman was a key menber of A.G. Becker and Co., Inc. . . .(and) an active member and governor of the NY and American Stock Exchanges. After his retirement in 1967 and until his 100th birthday, he maintained offices at S.G. Cowen and later at Oppenheimer + Close, Inc. . . . (Mr. Sherman) led the marketing of German dollar bonds in the 1930s. Contacts Mr. Sherman made duirng this period provided that base for his aggressive help to the German Jewish community. He was personally involved in helping the escape of innumerable Jews and funneling funds to those in need. He was forced to end these activities in 1939, but his commitment to the Jewish community continued for the balance of his business career. At the start of WWII, he was recruited for the OSS, and after the was was involved in the reestablisment of the German banking system. Irv Sherman is survived by his loving wife; two stepchildren, a niece, a grand-nephew, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren.

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