George E Shepherd

George Edward Shepherd died peacefully in the presence of family on October 30 in his apartment in Stuart Florida. He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Pat Shepherd, also 98, his youngest sister, his two sons and three grandchildren.

George was born in Millville New Jersey, a small farming community. He was the only boy of 5 children and as he wrote in his memoirs “mom played piano and I played trombone, we were poor but our family life was rich with music, daily skits, and lots of practical jokes.” He also noted that they always had food, even during the great depression, and when they had extra, they would walk the streets giving food to those that didn't.

At an early age, his parents stressed the importance of education and he took that seriously. Determined and driven to explore opportunities unknown, he excelled in academics, basketball and baseball and received scholastic and athletic scholarships in order to attend college, obtaining his undergraduate degree in three years. At college he was the dorm counselor, Chaplin’s assistant, lab assistant, and formed a jazz band all to help cover the additional cost of school. It was in the second year at Gettysburg College he was asked to the Leap Week dance where he met the love of his life. They married and were together 78 years “until death do us part.”

Although he was drafted into the farm leagues of baseball, he opted to go on to Penn State University to obtain a masters degree in chemistry and had a successful career in the chemical industry, eventually retiring to Florida before he was 60.

Our house was always filled with the sounds of Louie Armstrong, Tijuana Brass, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, and the piano that he loved to play. He put away his briefcase at 11 am every weekend and the fun would begin with playing catch, throwing and kicking spirals, having a milkshake, playing with the dogs, tending to rescued birds and rabbits, watching football or basketball, and occasionally attending a live sporting event. His love of music, animals, and sports lasted a lifetime.

Three weeks prior to his passing dad was admired by all in his complex. At 98 he was remarkable, walking the hallways with perfect posture, getting the mail, going to the dining room, and the grocery store (yes he was still driving) and taking care of moms needs. After a successful surgery he shocked us all and said “I don’t want to continue.” I guess you know when it is time for your light to go out. As he faced his mortality he told us he was very busy and busy he was. He asked if we were all ok, if all finances were in order, if we knew what mom likes for breakfast, where the title to the car was, you name it, he covered it. There was no way he was leaving any unfinished business behind. And of course we said yes to all, and told him his briefcase was completely in order and it was ok to let go and transition into a new life. We will forever share the light between us.