It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sherwood Israel Deutsch, a lifelong Rochesterian, passed away on December 11th, 2025. Born on January 16th, 1934, Sherwood lived a long, meaningful, and extremely rich life, devoted to his family, his work, and the Rochester community he deeply loved.

He was predeceased by his parents, Max and Celia Deutsch; his sisters, Diana Deutsch and Rosalind Deutsch Meyer; and his brother-in-law, Leo Meyer. He is survived by his brother, Lawrence Deutsch; his nieces and nephew, Marilyn and Michael Misch and Lisa Lutzke; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Rachael, David, Cara, and Haley (Neria) Misch, and Lauren, Sean, and Emma Lutzke; and numerous cousins across the United States and Israel.

Sherwood was born to Max and Celia Deutsch, the second oldest of their four children. After graduating from Monroe High School in 1951, he pursued his studies at the University of Buffalo College of Pharmacy, and though he ultimately chose a different path, he remained immensely proud of his pharmacy education and his identity as a trained pharmacist. Early in his career, after saving enough from his first job at an independent drugstore and moonlighting at Strong Memorial Hospital Pharmacy, he opened Sherwood Drugs on West Ridge Road.

His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving the community continued in 1967 when Sherwood saw a need and opened Century Liquor & Wine, just a few doors down from his drugstore. What began as a business grew into a lifelong vocation—Sherwood’s passion for wine and the way it brought people together became his life’s work, earning him national recognition as one of the top wine merchants in the United States.

Sherwood’s passions extended far beyond his business. A true philanthropist, he was a devoted supporter of Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester Medical Center, founding The Toast To Your Health Annual Wine Auction and raising significant funds each year for various departments. He was also a generous donor to multiple charities benefiting children worldwide. His generosity, kindness, and benevolent spirit left an enduring mark on family, friends and the community at large.

Beyond a doubt, Sherwood’s greatest pride and joy were his family and friends. Many of his customers became lifelong friends, drawn to his warmth, charm, and genuine interest in others. No moment was ever too small to celebrate or raise a toast, and he had the amazing gift of making everyone feel truly special. Sherwood’s boundless love for life, his joy in connecting with others, and his passion to give back will be remembered and cherished for many years to come.

Sherwood’s Funeral Service will be held 10 AM MONDAY December 15th in the Main Sanctuary of Temple B’rith Kodesh (2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14618) Interment White Haven memorial Park.

The family will sit Shiva at Temple B’rith Kodesh on:

Monday, December 15^th from 4pm-7pm

Tuesday, December 16^th from 1pm-4pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the HUGS Foundation, Inc. (973 East Ave. Rochester, NY 14607; helpusgivesmiles.org).