Pete Shepherd

1937 - 2022

On January 24, 2022 at 11:30 a.m., the Angels came to gently and lovingly take Pete Shepherd on his new journey home to his Creator. There could never be enough words to express what an incredible man he was and a blanket of sadness has engulfed endless lives. If love could have saved him, he would have lived to 200.

Pete's life was a fabulous adventure. Born on March 2nd, 1937 in Arlington, Virginia, son of Luke and Freda Shepherd. Pete was a true southern gentleman. He graduated from Randolph Macon in Virginia, where he loved playing sports. He excelled in both baseball and football until an injury cut his playing short. Pete was so proud to have served this country in the U.S. Air Force, a country he so loved and one that offered great opportunities. He was a self made man who believed in people and knew if you worked hard enough and stayed true to yourself you could accomplish anything. He owned two Exxon gas stations in Arlington and was President of the Arlington JC's in 1967 and 68. He was a driving force in that position where he was genuinely loved and highly respected.

Golf was Pete's favorite past time. He loved going out with his buddies for a day on the links. Golf proved to be challenging and he was a true competitor. He played in tournaments with Sam Snead, hit a hole in one, won a car and immediately gave it to his daughter. He so enjoyed playing for several years in the Frank Sinatra Invitational in Palm Desert, Calif. with friends. A day shared with his buddies- the camaraderie, the laughter and stories after a game while having a few drinks defined a great day for him.

Pete was always so modest about his golf but friends would say, "only God and Pete Shepherd could hit a one iron!!!" Wow, what a round he must be playing now!

Pete loved visiting Ocean City and in the late 70's, he began looking to start a business. After looking at several locations, coming across the bridge, he spotted a field of corn and knew that was it. He didn't care that it was on the wrong side of the bridge. In these early years, West Ocean City was just a gateway to Ocean City for there were very few businesses and little action. That didn't matter, he was a man with a vision, he was fearless and what an adventure he built. Hooper's Crab House, his creation, is now a destination point for tens of thousands who cross through its doors every year. In January 2002 Hooper's burned to the ground and our hearts were so shattered but Pete had such strength and determination to rebuild that he started the very next morning. He was on the job every second of each day and conquered any obstacle in the way. Hooper's, like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes. Pete loved early American antiques and would travel with Royette all over looking for unique antiques and artifacts to fill the Big Barn. Every wall of Hooper's has a story and people so enjoyed seeing what was new each year. His energy was never still. At 82 years young, he completed his four-acre dream and built Westside 50 Shopping center and Pancho & Lefty's restaurant.

Pete was a strong and fearless cowboy at heart. He loved country music and could spot talent before they were famous. He loved the sound of children's laughter, it was music to his heart and Believe in Tomorrow Children's House had a special place. He admired the artist Norman Rockwell for it brought back memories of years past. He so enjoyed his birds and beautiful times with family and friends. Pete was a one of a kind man, a force of nature, so humble and appreciative, so giving and caring. His wit was endless and he was such a mentor to thousands of young people who crossed his path during their years at Hooper's. Adults wanting to make a change in life, seeking advice, looking for a good laugh, or to just feel extra special would confide in him. If you knew him well, you knew he gave so much to so many but never expected nor wanted any recognition.

Pete looked forward to going to Florida each winter. Florida was his place to unwind and re-energize with a traditional birthday trip to Key West that he enjoyed sharing with friends and family.

Pete will be forever missed. His vitality and strength knew no bounds. He was a titan of a man and his fire will NEVER be extinguished.

Pete was a loving, giving and devoted husband, father, Grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, Poppie and friend.

As his wife, I feel blessed to have shared such a magical love affair, an awesome adventure and journey together for 37 years. He was my strength, my happiness and forever will be the love of my life. He was my gift from God.

He leaves an endless amount of people that will always keep him in their hearts and family that will cherish every moment shared with him through his wonderful life. Our broken hearts will be healed in time with awesome and beautiful memories until we meet again. Our love is with you.

Surviving him are his wife, Royette Shepherd

Daughters: Paige Wildmann and husband Kurt and Pam Walter and husband Butch

Grandchildren: Jessica Savage and husband Rick, Jimbo Weismiller and wife Annie, Woody Harrington and wife Jamie, Justin Weismiller and wife Meg, Walker Harrington and wife Alex and Wade Walter

Great-Grandchildren: Wyatt Lee Savage and Shepherd James Savage

Sister-in-Law: Giulia Campbell and husband James

Brother-in-Law: Angelo Musiani

Nieces: Taylor and Jordan Campbell (he was their Poppie), Amanda Carino and husband John, their children John, Theodore, Nikolai, Leo, Yelena, Marisa and Lewis

Nephews: Michael Musiani, Freddie Musiani and Peter Shepherd

The young men that made Hooper's happen every day with him: Ryan Intrieri (like a son) shared 31 years with him, his wife Kristy, and sons Logan, Parker, and Tanner. Michael Glavich, his wife Bean and sons "Huck" and Max. Justin Keller, his wife and children London, Lola, and Liam. The entire Hooper's family, who admired and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Freddie.

In order for the family and friends to have time to digest this journey and have a part of their hearts heal, a celebration of Pete's life will be held on May 15th at 2 p.m. at Hooper's Crab House. For those that knew and loved him please join us. He would always say, "When it's my time to go, God doesn't owe me a thing." He always wanted a party for all to gather, tell stories and laugh, no sadness.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Believe in Tomorrow, Children's House by the Sea. 13 66th Street, Ocean City, Md. 21842 or Tunnel To Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island N.Y., 10306. These were the foundations that truly moved him.