Avraham Scherman

Avraham “Avi” Scherman, born on August 24, 1938, in Bucharest, Romania, lived an extraordinary and fulfilling life for 86 years until his passing on April 22, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. His childhood journey took him across Southern and Eastern Europe in the shadows of the Second World War and the birth of communism in Romania. In May of 1948, Avi’s family arrived in Israel where he lived and studied until 1969. That year, he moved to the US for graduate studies at Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Marian. After spending a few years in Hartford, Connecticut, Avi and Marian settled in Norman, Oklahoma. There, Avi joined the College of Education at the University of Oklahoma in 1974.

Throughout his 31 years of teaching counseling psychology at the University of Oklahoma, Avi was well respected by colleagues and loved by students. He was a gifted advocate for students and for the program, making the classes he taught fun, engaging and memorable. Avi put everyone into a relaxing framework for learning, encouraging critical thinking and analysis and its pragmatic translation to the real world. With an incredible capacity to see other perspectives and points of view, he was a spokesperson whom everyone respected on account of his transparent and truthful approach to challenging situations. While he was very well respected professionally, recognized by many awards and positions of leadership, his focus was first and foremost on his family, often finding ways of weaving life lessons from home into the classroom. Simultaneously, he created an enriching home environment through his expertise in the area of family dynamics and child development.

Avi was a loving husband for over 53 years, serving as a foundation, offering unwavering support to his wife Marian, and always putting the needs of his family first. He saw the home they created as his place of safety and solace. As a father, he was committed to being present, always listening carefully without ever imposing his views. He offered unconditional support and encouragement, allowing each of his children to grow and follow their own paths. As a grandfather, he displayed endless patience and affection, always taking time to ask about his grandchildren’s achievements and well-being, making each child feel seen and valued.

As a son, Avi honored the sacrifices and influences of his parents, who, despite a very limited formal education, instilled in him a passion for learning. His mother furthered his love of music and dance. As the eldest brother, he was a steady source of counsel and support, and as an uncle, Avi will be remembered fondly for his warmth, his stories and his adventurous spirit.

Outside of his professional and family life, Avi had many passions. He and Marian shared a love of folkdancing, often gathering with friends to dance, teach, and learn new steps. They delighted in performing traditional dances at several weddings as a loving and joyful gift. Avi loved to socialize, share a laugh, and discover new places, often using folkdancing camps as travel destinations. He enjoyed puzzles and Sudoku, loving both the quiet, introspective challenge and the shared experience of working on jigsaw puzzles with his children and grandchildren.

Avi had a gift for connecting with everyone he met, whether their acquaintance lasted minutes or many years. He lived a life full of purpose, kindness, calm wisdom, and deep humanity leaving behind a legacy of love, respect, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marian, sons Oren and Aric and daughter Dorit, his brother Eli and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews in the US, England and Israel all of whom dearly miss his smile and loving affection.