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John Shepard Obituary
He was born in his beloved Brooklyn, the son of John Shepard and Helen Cramer Shepard on December 5, 1934.
He attended Notre Dame University, Villanova University, Fordham University, and St. Joseph's Seminary for Religious studies, and received Master's degrees in both Educational Administration and Theology. He started his career in education as a Holy Cross Brother, teaching in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Hillsdale, N.J. and Washington, D.C. At a young age he was appointed Superior and Principal of the Holy Cross Brothers in Mt. Carmel Parish in the Bronx, where he reorganized and updated the school system. It was here that he began his lifelong friendship with the Pallottine Sisters.
After leaving the Holy Cross Brothers, he continued his love for children and education and served the Cornwall Central School District as middle school Principal for 25 years, retiring in 1995. While principal, he once more introduced and oversaw many new and innovative educational programs.
He became deeply involved by St. Mary's Parish in Washingtonville, and served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and teacher in the Confirmation Program. He was the first president of the Parish Council and served on the Building Committee for the Parish Center. In addition, the children of the parish eagerly awaited his arrival in a helicopter as Santa Claus each year.
In 1997, he was ordained a Deacon of the Archdiocese at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, to continue for the next ten years faithfully and lovingly serving at St. Mary's Church in Washingtonville.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Helene Marilyn Shepard and son, Allen Shepard of Liberty; his brother, Arthur Shepard and wife of Long Island; sister, Cathy McCloskey and husband; sister-in-law, Joan Oram of Washingtonville; niece, Robin and husband, John Conklin; nephew, Christopher Oram and great nieces, Madison and Gianna Conklin, as well as several other nieces, nephews, godchildren and many close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, son, Patrick Shepard of happy memory, and dear friend, Jim Fobert.
Viewing will be at St. Mary's Church, Washingtonville, N.Y. on Wednesday, October 17, from 3 to 9 p.m., with a service at 7:30 p.m. by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop Dominick Lagonegro, on Thursday, October 18, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Church. Concelebrants will be Msgr. John Keaveney, Fr. Paul Dmoch, Msgr. James Cox, the Rev. Jefferey Galens, and the Rev. Andrew Florez. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Washingtonville, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, 2 Father Tierney Circle, Washingtonville, NY 10992.
Arrangements are by David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY 10992; 845-496-9106.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Shepard
Edward J Roell
February 8, 2023
He was my Eighth Grade Teacher at Saint John The Baptist Parish Grammar School, 1966 - 1967. He was a member of The Brothers of The Holy Cross.
I have my memories!
Robert & Angela Casale
October 24, 2007
Marilyn,
We cannot find the words to comfort you at this time of your great loss. John was a very special person to our family. Both you and John were there for all of us in our time of need. You and John help our family always. We are very saddened by John passing. Marilyn may the Angel of Healing and Hope bring you the strength you need to bring love and peace to you. You are in our prayers.
Lisa Diggle
October 22, 2007
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I knew Mr. SHepard in Willow Ave School. He was a very good man.
God Bless him and his family
Bridget & Patrick Horton
October 19, 2007
Dearest Miss Helene & Family,
We are so deeply saddened for the great loss of Deacon John. I have never met two sweeter, kinder, loving, more spiritual or beautiful people than yourself & Deacon John. Everytime anyone came close to either of you, there was a guaranteed huge smile, hand shake, huge hug and a great chat to be had. (you both always made time for everyone). We are so sorry that St. Mary's parish has lost such a wonderful man that inspired families to come to mass & listen to him and the many laughs & many smiles Deacon John always gave & received at the pre-school. But we are sad for you too,that you lost your best friend. Deacon John had a smile that just made your day, and how lucky God is now to see him everyday. Miss Helene, you & Deacon John were/are such an inspiration to everyone you met whereever you went. There will never again be such a wonderful, beautiful duo. Deacon John & yourself were our heaven on earth & we are so blessed & lucky to know such great people.
You & your family are in our prayes.
Much love & gratitude always,
Bridget & Patrick Horton & Family
Jeanine Nolan
October 19, 2007
Miss Helene,
We were shocked to hear about Deacon John's sudden passing. I know there are no words that can take the pain away, but I know the memories you both shared will someday help lessen the pain, and heal you. You and your family are in out thoughts and prayers, and know that he will be truely missed by everyone.
Love and prayers,
Jeanine, John, Melissa and Brian Nolan
Ana Paliotta
October 19, 2007
I am saddened by John's death - I met John and Marilyn in their travels on JetBlue at Stewart Airport. Even though I did not know him for a long time, he was a beautiful person and I am glad that at least I may have impacted his life in a small way.
Angela Beuchert
October 18, 2007
Miss Helene,
I am deeply sorry about your loss, Deacon John was a much loved man in our parish. I will alway be grateful to him as he helped me out at Children's mass on numerous occassions by being there when I ran out of materials. The children always loved hearing him tell stories. You are in my prayers.
Don and Carolyn O'Brien
October 18, 2007
Dear Helene, We were very saddened to hear of the loss of John. We will remember the good time of when he took us out on the boat for Jane's birthday. You both showed us a wonderful day. So, that is how his memory will go on with us. He was such a wonderful man. Our prayers are with you. We hope to see you in Florida this winter.
Richard Titanic
October 18, 2007
Helene,
Ann and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. But remember John is with our Lord now. Our prayers will be with you to help you heal.
Richard & Ann
Vance Consalvo
October 17, 2007
Our dear Miss Helene and family,
The Parish community as a whole, including my family, offer you our sincerest of condolences for the sudden and unfortunate loss of your husband, forever our deacon. Deacon John brought nothing but happiness and created fond memories to people he knew and loved. Anyone and everyone who knew him are deeply touched by his kind and overly generous personality. He was always a very nice man, always thinking of his parochial community. Deacon John had a wonderful life serving the Lord and his church. His contributions to the Catholic religion are extremely commendable and are admired tremendously by all. My father and grandparents loved having the Shepards as neighbors, and are forever touched by John's good-natured ways. My siblings and I always looked forward to seeing Santa Claus land from the helicopter at Christmas time. It is important to realize that he will always be remembered and respected by all who knew him. Also on that note, it is important for you to realize that he lived a very full and successful life. We give you and your family the sympathy of the Consalvos, and hope to help cherish the fond memories of a man who touched our lives because of his strong love of bringing goodness to our world.
With eternal love and prayer,
Vance Consalvo and Family
Debbie
October 17, 2007
Dear Miss Halene, We are with you in thought and prayer. Deacon John was a kind and gentle soul. He will be with you and us always!
Sherry Felice
October 17, 2007
Dear Miss Helene, We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deacon John. He will always be in our hearts. You both are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,
The Felice Family
Tom Murray and the Staff of Ferguson Funeral Home
October 17, 2007
Extending our sincerest condolences.
Kelly Lasaponara
October 16, 2007
Dearest Miss Helene,
Finding words to describe the sorrow in which I feel I cannot find. Nor am I able to find the right words to comfort you. Your husband passed doing exactly what he loved, and that was being with the Lord. Not many will be able to say that their loved ones passed doing what they loved, and for you I hope that brings you a touch of peace.The love that he shared with many children as well as adults has left behind a legacy that will carry on for eternity. My life is so much richer to have had his teachings, and friendship. I am so proud to have been blessed by such a WONDERFUL man. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Love and prayer,
Kelly and Jason Lasaponara and family
Nancy & Robert Fischer
October 16, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Kristen, Nick, Julia and Nico Cirigliano
October 16, 2007
Dear Helene,
We are so sorry for the loss of your John and our favorite deacon. Not only did he baptize our son, Nico, but he was also an inspiration for all who met him. Prayers from Florida are with you during this time.
Janine Anderson
October 16, 2007
Deacon John has been a special part of my family - from our wedding ceremony to the baptism of two of my daughters. He will forever be in our hearts and prayers.
Francine & Richard Casale
October 16, 2007
The Lord must have needed a special Deacon in Heaven and he chose John.
Our prayers are with you always.
Bob Marra
October 16, 2007
Dearest Helene,
Sometimes I think my heart has grown cold with all the adversaties I have in my life but there was always one person I knew that understood me and tried to help in whatever way he can, and whenever I or Mindi needed him, that person was Deacon John. I can not even count the times he sat so patiently with me and us, always touching my heart and my soul as few ever have. His understanding and compassion of "People" and Family Matters was beyond any other I have met. Learning of his passing just broke my heart, what ever is left of it. St. Mary's lost a treasure a few years ago and now the world has lost a truely great Man and my heart goes out to you and your family. I will always remember all the things we spoke about and will always be grateful for the privilage of knowing such a person as Deacon John. The only concelation at this sad time is knowing that he is now with whom he always felt an unbreakable bond and that is "His" God! Lord give "us" that remain the strength to continue without him and remember the lessons he has taught us. God bless you and your family at this sad time.
Mindi Marra
October 16, 2007
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Deacon John's passing. He was truly an angel and I know he is with the Lord and the Angels in Heaven. He will always hold a very special place in my heart forever. He was a mentor to me, as he helped me along my process of converting to Catholicism. He attended my wedding ceremony and was a person I could always go to in my time of need. May God Bless you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With my most deepest sympathy. Mindi
Brian and Grace Maguire
October 16, 2007
Dearest Helene,
Brian and I are so deeply sorry
for the lost of your Deeply Love and Wonderful husband John. I know that he will be miss by so many people and cannot be replaced.
I'm sure Jim and John will be watching out for your family and Janie family. I'm at a lost for words, just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Love, Grace and Brian Maguire
Mario Rubino
October 16, 2007
Aunt Helene, Robin & Family
We are really saddened by the loss of Uncle John. He was a great man that touched the lives of everyone who knew him. I will never forget his kind heart and caring ways. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the community. Aunt Helene and family if there is anything you need please let us know. We love you all.
Love Mario & Ken
Linda and Brian Gilmartin
October 16, 2007
Dear Helene,
We are saddened to hear of John's sudden death. He is now in the arms of God and rejoicing in the great love and beauty of heaven. Your heart must be breaking with your loss. We will pray for you and your son, so that your hearts will start to heal.
Felix & Jeanne Versweyveld
October 16, 2007
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of a good friend and faithful servant. Memories will sustain us and the knowledge that surely he was greeted at the Gates by St. Peter and Jim give us comfort. Our prayers are with Helene, Allen and family.
Louis and Karen Michelson
October 16, 2007
Dear Helene,
As we go through this time of mouring for John, there are so many good and happy memories. We are so thanful for knowing John and being able to share love of family we him. Our hearts are heavy, but or wonderful memories will get us through. We love you and hope for many more good years to share our lives we you.God bless. Louis and Karen
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