I just found out and am stunned. Rob was a true gentleman and reading all the comments,they couldn't ring truer!He was my professor,my softball teammate,my poker friend,my legal opponent,my traveling companion to mountaineer,and I wasn't even that close,just an easy guy to be around. So sad,I will miss him, my sincere condolences, Dan Ticktin

I never went to the IC without seeing Rob. Although I don't get there much anymore, it won't seem right not to see him sitting at one of the desks chatting and making jokes. 

He was a self-appointed mentor to me when I was in law school. He never seemed to fail to find 2-3 exceptions to anything you might say (sometimes maddeningly so!) but this just showed his instinctive sense of fairness by trying to see all sides of an issue. As others have commented, he was an unfailing professional and gentleman. 

Too young, Rob!  I didn't hear of his passing in time to attend his memorial to pay my respects.  My sympathies to the Shepard family and Leza.

I knew Rob for more than 31 years, going back to when I first started at the Industrial Commission and he was my boss. A great guy, always willing to share an insight or a witty comment. Rob could be tough when the situation called for it, but he also had a soft spot for anyone in need. I will miss his unique and always entertaining sense of humor and viewpoint on life in general. Rest in peace, buddy.

Joe Laszcz

Rob was a fine attorney, and a true gentleman. I had the pleasure of having him as a law school professor 20+ years ago and then seeing him almost daily at the Industrial Commission.  He was always quick with a joke and knew all the best places to eat in town.  My condolences to his family.  He will be missed.

So sorry to hear about Rob, we were friends for many years, growing up just a few blocks apart in University Heights and played on many softball teams together.  He was a sweet, kind man. I remember clearly one night, we only had 9 guys. Normally we play with 10.  Rob was nursing an injury and sat and managed. I remember getting angry at the ump, throwing my bat and getting tossed out of the game.. As we were allowed to play with 8 (or forfeit) Rob had to come in the game and with only 8, the innings were long...he was so angry with me...I am laughing now as he would be too I'm  sure.. my condolences. -Danny Cohen-Chagrin Falls

Many condolences to Rob's extended family. Like many 'old timers' in this kooky industry, I remember him fondly as a DHO and then beyond (except of course when he ruled against me...). He always offered a breath of fresh air and dose of often humorous reality in our unique workplace environment. God rest ye merry gentleman, will miss you.

I have been out of town and I am so sorry to hear about Rob passing away.   I have dealt with and talked with him on a daily basis for the past 30 years and just don't know what to say.  My deepest sympathies to his mother and Liza.

Rob was a long-time colleague who became a personal friend. Cheryl considered Rob to be one of the closest members of her "family" at work. We were both shocked and heart-broken to learn of his passing. His example of professionalism and integrity will be remembered and sorely missed by those with whom he worked. Now, his work is done. May he rest in peace.

You will be missed. I am remembering our law school days. Rest in peace my friend.

I considered Rob both a friend and a mentor.  I will miss talking with Rob and having lunch with him many times a week at the Cleveland offices of the Industrial Commission.  I learned something new each time I spoke with Rob and made it a point to work at a desk next to his at the Commission offices.  I will miss him and will find inspiration in his example of professionalism and dedication to our profession.  Rest in peace, Rob, and thank you.

I miss you already Shep! My thoughts are with his family,Leza, and his,dear mother who he loved more than a son could. We spent most days the past 5+ years at lunch together with our IC crew and there was never a dull moment. We will all miss the discussions, arguments, and pure Shep moments! I am sad but each time I think of a Shep memory I actually laugh out loud. I can picture him laughing after slipping in a MASH, Seinfeld, or any Mel Brooks line. As a professional he was someone to respect for his ethics and general sense of fair play. He was proud to be a lawyer and respected the profession when so many did not. He was a model of what it meant to be a professional. As a person he was caring and always meant well. He truly never had a bad word to say about anyone,  Except Brad Elzeer and his knowledge of geography! ( Rob will understand) He cared for his family, he cared for Leza, and he cared for you as a friend. I was honored to be one of his friends. Love you Shep!

My sympathies to Rob's family and Leza.  I had the pleasure of seeing Rob virtually everyday.  What stands out the most was his dedication to his family and his profession and baseball.  Rest in Peace "professor of workers' compensation".

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Rob was such a sweet nice guy. A real mensch. I will miss him.

Rob  was a fine lawyer but, more importantly, a wonderful and kind person. Rest in peace, Tom & Ken Baker

My sympathy to Rob's family and Leza. The IC won't be the same without him. He always enjoyed a lively discussion on any subject, especially baseball.

I first met Rob when he was a Cleveland Hearing Officer. He was always kind and a true gentleman. My deepest sympathy to his family.

My condolences to Rob's Mom and the rest of his family.  Rob and I worked together for many years at the Climaco law firm.  During those years, we had become good friends.  As happens to so many of us, we lost touch over the last several years.  There were times when I would think about him and say to myself, "I should give Rob a call and see how he's doing." I never did make that call, and now I won't ever have the chance.  I was shocked to hear of Rob's death, and, although we hadn't seen or talked to each other of late, I will miss him.  Rob, you always did work much too long and hard.  Rest in peace my friend!

Rob was a kind man and respected attorney.  He will be missed.

My sincerest condolences to Leza and the rest of Rob's family. A friend and a most professional colleaque.  He will be missed.

Rob was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face. He was a pleasure to work with throughout his professional career. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Shep had the first car of all of us when he was 16.  He used to drive us all over the place.  Had great card games at his house on Washington Blvd.  Probably had my first beer there!!  Even though we did not hang out much later in life, every time I saw him downtown on the street, we would always stop and chat.  It was a pleasure to talk to him. We should have hooked up but life just blows by and then it is too late.   Also great softball player.  We never forget where we came from and he was one of the boys!  Go Big Green Machine!!

My condolences to Rob's family. Rob was a respected colleague for many years - always kind and considerate. He left this world much too soon, but may his loved ones find consolation in knowing that he touched many people in many positive ways throughout his professional life.

Rob was an old school attorney and an all around great guy. We'll miss you. Rest in peace Rob. My condolences to your family.

Rob was my law school professor and after that, my friend. He was always positive and upbeat. He will be missed by many.

Rob will be missed. He was a consummate professional and wonderful person. My condolences to his family.  Irv Rosner

Gloria and I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Rob and his family.  He set the bar for being a gentlemen.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  Rest in peace.

Bill Treister

My deepest sympathies to Rob's family.  He was a wonderful person who was both a mentor and friend whom I will miss greatly.

A wonderful gentlemen who will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace Rob. Marc Stone

rob was a colleague, teammate, poker buddy and just about everything else.  our sincerest condolences to his mother and the rest of his family.  oseh shalom.

My condolences to Rob's family and friends.  He was a wonderful gentleman and will be missed.

OBITUARY

Robert Shepard

22 October, 1954 – 18 July, 2016

Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services