Steve Sherlock, a dedicated journalist who served for over 40 years at the Lewiston Sun Journal, passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2024, at the age of 69. Colleagues and friends remember him as a versatile reporter known for his ability to cover a wide range of topics with accuracy and depth. His contributions to journalism and the Lewiston community will be remembered by many.
Sherlock’s colleagues described him as a “Swiss Army knife” of journalism, capable of producing important and timely reports on any subject. Mark Mogensen, deputy managing editor at the Sun Journal, noted, “In the community, he was known for being a talented, accurate, thoughtful writer. At the Sun Journal, Steve was known as the person you could trust with any story and any job.” This sentiment was echoed by Ben Bragdon, the managing editor, who called Sherlock a source of stability and professionalism in the newsroom.
Born in Queens, New York, in 1956, Sherlock relocated to Lewiston to live with his grandparents. His father served in the U.S. Air Force and later became a journalist for the Associated Press. After graduating from Lewiston High School in 1974, he attended Purdue University, where he was active in student government and served as president of his dormitory.
Before embarking on his journalism career, Sherlock worked as a high school track coach and an auditor at a local hotel. His coaching experience connected him to the local community and led to his encouragement to apply for a position at the Sun Journal. He began his tenure there in September 1984, taking on various roles including sports editor, news editor, and web editor. Most recently, he focused on covering Androscoggin County government and Lewiston-Auburn education.
Russ Dillingham, a photographer who worked closely with Sherlock, praised his institutional knowledge and ability to connect with others. “He remembered people, places, and events that I long forgot about,” Dillingham said. “Humble and shy, Steve was never the one in the room everyone noticed, but if you took the time to talk with him, he was the most interesting.”
Sherlock’s reporting extended beyond daily news. He was deeply knowledgeable about military history, inspired by his grandfather, a veteran of both World Wars. His notable works included a 2016 report on the Durham-based religious cult Shiloh and a piece on three Lewiston soldiers who died in France on the same day during World War I. Judy Meyer, a former longtime editor at the Sun Journal, highlighted Sherlock’s ability to draw out personal stories from veterans, noting, “When we assigned features, particularly on veterans, he could really pull the humanity out of them, and I always found it delightful to read.”
In his personal life, Sherlock was remembered as a kind and supportive partner. He is survived by his wife, Paula Masselli, three stepdaughters, four step-grandchildren, and extended family. Masselli shared that she and Sherlock had known each other since high school but did not reconnect until 2011, when their relationship blossomed quickly. “Our first date lasted 11 hours at a local restaurant, where we reminisced on the last 36 years we missed each other,” she recalled, describing their reunion as “like a Hallmark movie.”
Funeral visitation hours for Steve Sherlock will be held from 14:00 to 18:00 on January 31, 2024, at the Fortin & Pinette Group funeral home in Lewiston. His legacy as a journalist and community member will continue to resonate with those who had the privilege to know him.
