Gerald Francis Sheppard

Gerald Francis Sheppard, age 90, passed away peacefully in the Norwood Hospital on Saturday, January 4, 2020.  Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada on July 22, 1929, he was the son of the late John Francis and Suzanne (Coombs) Sheppard.  He was raised and educated in New Victoria, Cape Breton, where, after completing his high school education, he quickly found work in one of the local coal mines.  Gerry found his work ethic working in the mines, and always took the side of the working man, becoming very active in the Coal Miner’s Union.

 

Gerry married his beloved wife, Florence Cecelia MacDonald, on October 23, 1951 in New Waterford.  Together they made their home in New Victoria, where they welcomed three children, Kevin, Madonna, and Adele.  In 1960, Gerry moved his family to the United States of America, settling in the small town of Walpole, Massachusetts, where they welcomed their daughter, Heather. 

 

Upon moving to Walpole, Gerry found work with Bird and Son in East Walpole, where his pro working man outlook led him to take on the role of a Union Representative for the company. Later, Gerry changed jobs, taking a position with the Foxboro Company, where he worked as a boiler room engineer for more than thirty years before his retirement in 1994.  Throughout his entire career, Gerry never lost sight of his values, always ensuring he and his workers were well cared for by management.

 

After making his home in Walpole, Gerry became an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church, attending Mass daily.  He served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years, often taking communion to those members of the parish who could not come to Mass.  In more recent years, Gerry served as an acolyte, assisting with funerals held in the church.

 

Most of all, Gerry was a dedicated family man, who always put the needs of his family first.  He was a devoted husband to his wife, a loving father to his children, a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, and was truly delighted when he welcomed his great grandchildren.

 

Beloved husband of the late Florence Cecelia (MacDonald) Sheppard.

Loving father of Kevin Sheppard and his wife, Sarah, of Warwick, Rhode Island, Madonna Kirpich of Walpole, Adele Hornsby and her husband, Jim of North Attleborough, and Heather Brady and her husband, Kevin, of South Walpole.

Cherished grandfather of Amanda Vo and her husband, Peter, Katelyn Thompson and her husband, Jake, Alec Sheppard, Jaidam Kirpich, Ben Kirpich, Maia Kirpich, Kelsey Kirpich, Megan Hornsby, and Jamie Horsby and great grandfather of Maisy and Mabel Vo.

Brother of the late John Sheppard, Jim Sheppard, Mike Sheppard, Mary MacNeil, Jane Campbell, and Liza Hogan.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Gerry’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 from 4 to 7 PM and Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gerry’s name may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole, MA 02081.