Obituary, Michael Leroy Shepherd

Michael Leroy Shepherd, 75, of New Milford died Nov. 20, 2018, at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Bonnie (Swanek) Shepherd, his wife of more than 46 years.

He was born April 2, 1943, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Helen and Delmar Shepherd. He was the middle child, having grown up with siblings Jerry Shepherd and Donnie Shepherd.

Michael, who was called “Mike” and “Shep” by friends and family, graduated from Bath High School and served as a medical specialist in the U.S. Army while stationed mainly in Germany from July 1961 through July 1964, and was honorably discharged. He was a member of American Legion Post 0200.

A member of the Newtown United Methodist Church, he was a former member of the New Milford UMC, where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and mentoring the youth.

He was employed by Joe Pietryka, Inc. as Director of Engineering in Pawling, N.Y., before he retired.

Shep was an avid bass fisherman and could often be found on the lake, his greatest form of relaxation. In addition, he enjoyed fishing the Keys with his wife, who also shared in his passion, as well as Maine with his special fishing buddies.
He was a serious bowler with a high average and belonged to various bowling leagues throughout the years. He enjoyed spending quality time with his seven grandchildren.

He enjoyed serving others. For many years, he helped make Thanksgiving dinner for Loaves & Fishes. He also participated in several Midnight Run mission trips in NYC, serving the people on the streets by providing clothing and food, helped wheel the residents at Village Crest Health & Rehabilitation Center to the Village Green for the Memorial Day parade in town, and also enjoyed being part of the annual senior fishing outing. In addition, he felt privileged to volunteer at Ground Zero after 9/11.

In 2004, Mike, along with Bonnie, was honored by the Rotary Club of New Milford with an official citation from the Secretary of the State of Connecticut in recognition of their community service in town.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Bryon Shepherd, Eric Shepherd, Lori Shepherd, Michael Shepherd Jr. and his wife, Kimberly, Francis Porter and his wife, Julie, and Bruce White and his wife, Kerry; seven grandchildren, Dillon White, Reilly White, Kadin Shepherd, Kieran Shepherd, Mikai Shepherd, Britney Porter and Makyla Porter; and two brothers Jerry Shepherd and Donnie Shepherd.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church, 81 Clintonville Road, North Haven, with the Rev. Wayne Lavender officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Foundation 4 Orphans, c/o Faith UMC, 81 Clintonville Road, North Haven, CT 06473.

Author: Harlem Valley News