Barry Robert Sheppard

Barry R. Sheppard died on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 of complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Barry is survived by his wife Patricia, his children Harrison and Alycia, his sister Marlene, and many nieces and nephews.

Barry was born March 20, 1946, and grew up in the Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia as one of five children of Ruth and Herman Sheppard.

As the 2nd youngest of his siblings, Barry was a mischievous child who liked attention. He grew into an athletic and tough, but fun-loving teen. He used to declare to his children that he never started fights in high school - but he always ended 'em.

Barry played football in school and enjoyed everything but his classwork. He was around 14 when he met Ann Brilliant, introduced by Ann's lifelong friend, Ruth Farber. A year apart in age, they graduated together from Olney High School. He later told his children that the reason he was held back a year in school was so Ann could catch up to him.

After graduation, Barry joined the Army Reserves but also focused on helping with the family business, Sheppard Detective System, Inc. which Herman had founded in 1958.

Barry had started in the business as a teen, working for his father as a security guard. When he would spend nights guarding the Academy of Natural Sciences, Ann would come to visit him and his mischievous side would come out: He delighted in scaring her by popping out from the dark and shining his flashlight on the animal exhibits.

The early 1970s marked a transitional time for Barry. He married Ann in May 1970 and Herman died the next year. Barry was just 25 and suddenly found himself in charge of a small-but-growing enterprise.

Soon Ann and Barry would move to Cherry Hill. Their family would grow with the birth of their children Harrison and then, six years later, Alycia.

In the meantime, he continued to work hard to build the business, putting in long hours and continuing to add clients and employees. At its peak in the 1980s, Sheppard Detective employed several hundred security guards and had divisions that provided alarm services, K-9s, limousine services, corporate investigations and even armored truck transportation for cash and valuables.

Ann and Barry divorced in January 1983.

Barry enjoyed playing racquetball at this time and that was what brought him together with Patricia Mackin, who was working near the athletic club.

After being together for several years, they married in June 1991.

Less than a year later, Barry was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

By that time, he was comfortable taking more time away from work to enjoy life. Barry and Patti traveled often and some of their best memories were made on trips to the Jersey Shore, Aruba, the Bahamas, and Mexico.

He kept a boat on the Chesapeake Bay and many fond memories with Patti and his children were created on weekend trips.

He sold the business in 2012. Even as he slowed down due to the effects of Parkinson's, he kept a twinkle in his eye and continued to take pride in his children and enjoy life with Patti, who remained by his side caring for him as the disease progressed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at the Barry Sheppard tribute page:

https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2976&np=true

Services will be held Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at Platt Memorial Chapel, 2001 Berlin Road. Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and service begins at 3 p.m.