David G. Shepherd

Cairo, NY -- It is with sadness that we announce the passing on December 28 of lifelong Cairo resident, David G. Shepherd, at the age of 88.

Born in Catskill, NY, August 6, 1937, the only child of Lorian G. Shepherd and Rose (Lamanec) Shepherd. David was a 1955 graduate of Cairo Central School. He was a muscular teenager and despite being the smallest kid in his class, he was an outstanding high school soccer player. He enjoyed hunting and shooting.

David had aspirations of a career in law enforcement but could not meet the height requirement. He was rejected by the regular military because of very poor vision in his right eye but served many years with The National Guard in Catskill. Being right-handed but left eye dominant did not keep him from being an expert marksman.

One of David's first jobs was at The Catskill Game Farm where he enjoyed working with the bears. He was later employed at Becker Durham where he met his wife, Janet Marshman. They were married on June 19, 1965. Janet died in 1977 of diabetes related kidney disease. They had no children.

David joined The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and worked as a millwright on several projects around the state. After an injury and a desire to be close to home, he finished his career as a highway worker with New York State DOT. He suffered a fall from a truck that resulted in a lot of hardware in his leg.

He was a devoted caregiver, first to his wife and then to his mother. Having survived treatment for prostate cancer and a series of strokes, David had become reclusive since the covid pandemic. He spent most of his time reading and watching TV. He was a student of military history and an authority on firearms.

David was predeceased by his wife, Janet, his parents, and his longtime companion, Clara Roney. He is survived by members of the Lamanec family and several cousins on his father's side.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday January 2, 2026 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross Street.

A celebration of David's life will be celebrated at 12:45 at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in the spring.

To leave condolences for the family please visit the tribute wall above.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Richard's Funeral Home in Cairo.