LEWISTON – Sharif Padiath Aslam was born in Memphis, Tennessee on Jan. 7, 1968, to parents Phyllis (Diakow) Aslam and Padiath “Sunny” Ali Aslam.  He was his parents’ pride and joy.  Unfortunately, Sharif lost his mother to breast cancer shortly after his second birthday.  We lost our much-beloved Sharif to pancreatic cancer on Feb. 19, 2025.

Sharif moved to Maine with his father in the ’70s. He was subsequently diagnosed with severe autism. Finding schooling for Sharif was difficult as the laws supporting exceptional children were just being implemented when he moved to Maine.  Nevertheless, his teachers tried valiantly to help him and he learned sign language and other necessary skills.  After much advocacy on his behalf, the State of Maine ultimately sponsored Sharif’s education at what was then known as the New England Center for Autism in Framingham, Mass.

Returning to Maine, he lived in a variety of group homes in several communities, most recently in Lewiston.  He worked at sheltered workshops, including Cobbossee Center in Gardiner and Work First in Farmington.

His caregivers found him alternately charming and challenging.  He was known for his good nature, his energy, his athleticism, and his love of food (sometimes that of others).

Sharif was predeceased by his mother, Phyllis Aslam, infant brother, his grandparents, uncle PA Saleem and aunt PK Saru.

He is survived by his father, Padiath “Sunny” Aslam and stepmother, Dru King Aslam of Belgrade, adoptive mother, LuAnne Cori of Hallowell, brothers Sunny Aslam (Aprill Scruggs-Aslam) of Syracuse, N.Y., Ali Aslam of N. Grafton, Mass., and Jai Aslam (Aneri Pattani) of Washington, D.C.

Sharif is also survived by uncle Nick Diakow (Renee Laffer) of Port Washington, N.Y., and uncles PA Salaam (Zahira) of Bangalore, India and PA Zafar (Abusha) of Kochi, India as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to give thanks to Sharif’s final caregivers at Quality Care Management, notably his house manager, Andre Habarugira, for his most attentive and thoughtful care throughout this difficult time.  We also wish to thank his healthcare provider, Colin Lucas, PA-C of Gardiner Family Medicine and his advocate from Hope Association in Rumford, Julie Smith. Two very special caregivers in Sharif’s journey were Aishah Wolfstone and Elizabeth Peters.  Our deepest thanks as well to Janice Nutting.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for the summer months.

Donations in Sharif’s memory may be made to (with our sincere thanks):  

Autism Society of Maine

72 Main St, STE B

Winthrop, ME 04364