Dror Shmerling, 63, beloved husband, father, saba, brother, and friend to his community died on March 4, 2023 in his home in Amherst, MA just four weeks from his birthday after a brief five month battle with cancer. His generous spirit, laughter, and optimism will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Born in Jaffa, Israel in 1959, Dror spent his early years appreciating the water in any way he could – water polo, water skilling, swimming, and enjoying the ocean on his family’s small boat. After serving three years in the Israeli Defense Force, he graduated from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in computer science in 1986.

He married his beloved wife of 40 years, Shirley, on July 22, 1986 and they moved to Amherst, MA, USA where Dror earned his Master of Business Administration degree at University of Massachusetts Amherst. After graduating in 1989, he worked for ATT/Lucent in Hartford for several years until they moved to Randolph, New Jersey. It was there that the family welcomed their first son Matan (in 1995) – who Dror got to share his love of outdoor activities with; including soccer and biking.

Dror’s entrepreneurial spirit came out in a variety of ways. He was always looking to join new projects and find exciting ideas to work through as a way to find solutions for the puzzles each  new one would hold. He worked in a variety of roles for both corporate and start up projects while continually developing connections – both personal and professional – in his community.

Whether he was coaching recreational youth soccer, biking seven times in the Pan MA Challenge to fundraise for cancer research, or just playing with his family, Dror’s laughter was a central feature for all. When Adi joined the family in 2000, Dror continued to develop in his role as a patient and devoted father – seeking to love each of his family members in the way that matched what they needed best.

In 2002 Dror and Shirley moved back to Amherst with their beautiful family and shortly after Dror began to teach a core course in business and technology at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. In this role as instructor and mentor, he reached a large contingent of undergraduate students and graduate teaching assistants – combining his business knowledge with his joking manner and care in a way that helped each along on their own journeys.

In 2015 Dror became manager of a popular local business which benefited greatly from his business acumen, as well as his care and attention for his co-workers and customers. Because of Dror’s spirit of giving and care – many colleagues, friends, and his family sought his advice, wisdom, and support during their own challenging times.

In 2018 Dror was overjoyed to become saba – grandpa – to his grandson Brady. Spending time with Brady added even more joy to the time he already loved spending with his immediate and extended family. Dror will be remembered as a supportive husband, patient father, and loving family member who always had time for those in his life.

In addition to family and his business pursuits, Dror was an avid biker, enjoyed glass work and wood working. Even in these last few months he was looking for ways to share with others in his life. Dror’s generous and supportive spirit meant that he enjoyed life and looked to help anyone he could. His laughter and optimism carried him even until the end.

Dror is survived by his wife Shirley Shmerling (Amherst, MA); his two sons Matan (and Alisha) Shmerling (Townsend, MA) and Adi Shmerling (Amherst, MA); his grandson Brady Shmerling (Townsend, MA); his sister Zipi (and Avi) Brunn (Israel); and brother Ruby Schmerling (Amhest,MA); his nephew Omri Brunn (Israel), his niece Tamar Brunn (Israel), and his nephews Micah and Oren Schmerling (Amherst, MA).

Services will be officiated by Rabbi Benjamin Weiner and held Thursday, March 9, 2023, 11:00 am at the JCA Cemetery (222 Leverett Road, Shutesbury, MA). Shiva Hours of visitation will be held at 23 Bayberry Lane, Amherst, MA on Thurs. March 9: after the service to 8:00 pm; Fri. March 10 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; Sat. March 11 6:00-9:00 pm; Sun. March 12 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00-9:00 pm; Mon. March 13 11:00 am- 2:00 pm and 4:00-8:00 pm; and Tues. March 14 11:00 am-2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Flowers for the service can be sent to Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, MA (413.253.3407) or to the family at 23 Bayberry Lane, Amherst, MA.