Eric Stuart Sidman - , RI

(08/30/11) Cumberland – Eric Stuart Sidman ended his seventeen year battle with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on August 27, 2011. He was the loving husband for 20 years of Clare Jabour, (Esquire) Sidman. Born in Chelsea, MA, he was the loving and devoted son of the late Abraham and Frances (Sandel) Sidman. Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving and devoted children, Stacy Sidman of Newton, MA, Chelsea E. Sidman and Natalie-Jo Sidman, both at home; and his brother, John L. Sidman and his wife, Maria of Saugus, MA. He is also survived by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. Eric began his professional career in the Medway (MA) School System in 1965 where he taught Western Civilization, U.S. History and Sociology for over 40 years. During his tenure, he was also a valued coach to the high school football, track and basketball programs, where he continued to mentor students and coaches long after his active coaching years. Although he was All-State in many sports particularly in cross-country at Chelsea High School, winning was secondary to values of best effort, good sportsmanship and teamsmanship. He invariably cultivated championship teams. His calm, steadfast manner caught the admiration and respect of all who knew him. By the time he retired from the Medway School System, he had been named Teacher of the Year, Coach of the Year, and the subject of yearbook dedications. Currently a Memorial Scholarship is being established in his name. Consistent with his love of teaching, Eric was a connoisseur of fine antiques, particularly cut glass and china. He was known throughout the country for his expertise in Royal Bayreuth China. He was the sole owner of “Eric’s Antiques” in Newton Upper Falls, MA, where he purveyed beautiful antique cut glass, china, oriental rugs, jewelry, paintings and other unique and beautiful objects of art until the shop’s closure in December, 2010. He was also a licensed auctioneer and appraiser, and a member of the New England Appraisers Association as well as the American Cut Glass Association. He will be sorely missed. A funeral service officiated by Rabbi Barry Starr will take place on Friday, September 2 at 10 A.M. at St. John Vianney Church, 3655 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland immediately followed by burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis, MA. Shiva will be observed in the St. John Vianney Church Hall Friday from 1:30 – 6:30 P.M. Donations in Mr. Sidman’s memory may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant Outpatient “The Cox 1 Fund”, c/o Dr. Steven McAfee, MGH Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www.bellowsfh.com. Arrangements by BELLOWS-FALSO FUNERAL CHAPEL, 160 River Road, Lincoln.