Sheryl Ann Pacelli

August 10, 1950 - August 4, 2022
Sheryl Ann Pacelli

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Sheryl Ann Pacelli, 71, passed away August 4, 2022, in Wilmington, NC. She was born to George and Kathryn (Glass) Scott on August 10, 1950, in Mishawaka, IN. She is predeceased by her parents.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 27 years, Tom Pacelli, and cousins: Lynne Futter, Mark Futter (Jan), Rick Futter (Barb), Marcia Futter, and Lisa Futter Lanham (Don).

Sheryl, known to many as “Scotty”, was a loving, caring and compassionate wife. She loved dogs and was mother to her 4 legged daughters, Honey and Reba Faye. Sheryl loved her family, being with her friends, going out to dinner, playing cards, going to movies and the theater, playing and teaching Mah Jongg, as well as teaching line-dance at two Wilmington Area Senior Centers. Sheryl loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was also content to stay home and spend time with her husband Tom.

For 26 years Sheryl was the Director of Mental Health at Coastal AHEC now known as the South Eastern Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC). She was passionate about her job and her mission of providing continuing education programs for mental health professionals in Wilmington and surrounding counties.

Sheryl worked in the development, training and implementation of the ground-breaking Citizen Soldier pilot program, training medical professionals on the unique nature of the military experience. This program focused on how these experiences impacted the mental health of military personnel and their families to include assessing and identifying PTSD, clinical practice guidelines, and treatment interventions. It also provided medical personnel with a better understanding of, and how they could assist with, military health care coverage.

Sheryl was a very generous person, giving of her time and money to a variety of organizations. She volunteered at the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College. Sheryl was strong, courageous, decisive, and positively impacted many lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 2:00 PM, at Wilmington Chapel, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington NC 28403 910.791.9099

To honor Sheryl’s memory, a contribution to Canines for Service, 221-1 Old Dairy Road, Wilmington, NC 28405, or you can donate on their website, www.caninesforservice.org would be appreciated.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.



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  • August 10, 2022
    Connie Devine Carlson says:
    My words will never come close to expressing the sadness and sorrow that has hit our hearts and homes. Somehow gratitude, that grateful, grateful feeling is washing over me and at the forefront today, on your Birthday. I’m grateful we shared so many wonderful conversations together. So meaningful, authentic, deep, memorable conversations that I will cherish. I can hear you laughing every time I think of you. Your laughter & light heart I will cherish. Your compassion and empathy I’ll remember forever. A dear friend, loving wife, and my bowling buddy. I’m going to be watching for your sign. I know you will. Just a “wink” when you can. My deepest condolences Tom. There are truly no words.

  • August 09, 2022
    Chrissy Sanford says:
    Ah, Sheryl, you are missed so much already. You were so calm. steadfast, kind, caring, etc. If your mission in life was to influence others, you succeeded. You touched our lives and we are eternally grateful. Rest in peace, my dearest friend. Chrissy, (Jerry), Felicia Rose, Nathan Jesse, Benson Lee, Hoover Blue, and (Waylon).

  • August 09, 2022
    Helen & Neal Lewis says:
    Our sincere condolences to Tom and to Sheryl’s family. We have many fond memories of our time working together on the Naval Affairs Committee.

  • August 08, 2022
    Sherry Collette Mergner says:
    I am so sad to hear this news. I worked with Sheryl when she was at Coastal AHEC (now SEAHEC). She was a respected colleague and such a fun/loving person. She will truly be missed. I send my condolences to her family and friends.

  • August 08, 2022
    Eric and Barbara Wenderlich says:
    Beautiful lady inside and out. Enjoyed bowling with Sheryl. Tom, my prayers and with you and your family.