Olney A. Shepard

FITCHBURG - Olney A. Shepard, 94, a longtime resident of the Fitchburg & Leominster area died Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Manor on the Hill, Leominster.

His wife of 66 years, Betty F. (LeClair) Shepard passed away on October 23rd of last year.

He leaves his son, Steven W. Shepard of West Gardiner, Maine; his brother Elwin Shepard of Leominster, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was the brother of the late Henry Shepard of Gardner, Richard Shepard of Keene, NH, George Shepard of Townsend, Merrill Shepard, Reginald Shepard both of Fitchburg and Valentine Nappiari of Westminster.

Olney was born in West Moreland, NH, December 3, 1931, one of 8 children born to George and Veda (Ormsby) Shepard and resided in Fitchburg for over five decades before moving to Leominster 22 years ago.

During the Korean Conflict, Olney served his country in the United States Army. For nearly thirty years, Olney worked in the tool & maintenance and the purchasing departments at Foster Grant Company in Leominster, retiring in 1999.

Olney had been an active member of Faith United Church as well as the Rollstone Congregational Church; both in Fitchburg. He was a member of the Montachusett YMCA, Fitchburg Seniors and enjoyed square dancing with the Montachusett Twirlers.

Travel was one of Olney's greatest joys. He made countless cherished memories on family trips, including 67 summers at Old Orchard Beach and decades of vacations in Ogunquit. His travels also took him and his wife Betty to Alaska, British Columbia, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Myrtle Beach, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Among his most treasured times were visits to his son Stevie's Lake house in Maine, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, playing games, and spending quality time together.

The calling hours for Olney will be held on Friday, February 27th from 4 to 7 PM at Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 11 AM at Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main Street, Fitchburg. A shared burial will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fitchburg. Please join us for a catered luncheon at the church, directly following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Central Station PO Box 4777, NY, NY 10163