Obituary of Harold W. Shepherd

Harold "Shep" W. Shepherd entered into rest on July 25, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Harold was formerly from Westernville, NY but most recently resided with his daughter and son in law in Westmoreland, NY. He was born in Kemblesville PA, a son of the late Cox and Edith Baker Shepherd on October 22, 1936. As a very young man, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. His twenty plus years brought him to nearly all of the United States as well as Greenland, Africa and most of Europe, including six years in Holland. It also introduced him to another Airman whom he met in California. Airman Mary Jo Dodd then became his wife on July 29, 1957 in Elkton Maryland. After he completed his career with the Airforce, he a started a second career with the Federal Aviation Administration; protecting the eastern shores of the US by monitoring and maintaining the radar sites in the northeast for another twenty years . He loved his country and was a true patriot. He was honored to be a founding member and a life member of the Westernville American Legion Post #1846…where everyone knew his name! Shep was a gentle soul and made friends everywhere that he went. He will be profoundly missed by them and especially by his family. He is survived by his wife of nearly fifty nine years, Mary Jo; his son, Thomas Shepherd and Vera Morrison of Rome; two daughters, Becky Shepherd and Wayne Williams of Westmoreland, and Vicki and Bob Squire of Ilion. He adored his many grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer Shepherd of Sauquoit, Tracy and Mike Dilapi of Vernon, Kristin and Vince Armella of Rochester, Michael Squire of Ilion, Patrick Squire of Ilion, and Thomas Shepherd II of Rome. He was blessed with and loved whole heartedly his beautiful great grandchildren, Alyssa and Kirstin Shepherd and Michael Dilapi Jr. He had hoped to live long enough to welcome his fourth great grandchild in a few months. It wasn't to be and now they all have a special angel looking over them. Survivors also include sister in law, Mildred Shepherd of PA; two sisters, Janet and John Wheatley of PA, and Grace and John Brickner of CA; a brother in law, Sam Dodd of OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Michael Shepherd in 1985; his loving brother, Ronald Shepherd; a brother in law, and sister in law, Bobby Lou and Bill Colvin. In lieu of gifts or flowers and in respect to Shep's caring and giving personality, the family wishes that you may perform a random act of kindness and think of Shep as you do. Special thanks for the care and professionalism shown to Harold by Dr. Cherney and staff, Dr. Poonati and staff, Rome Memorial Hospital, Bethany Gardens and Hospice and Palliative Care. Funeral services with military honors will be held Saturday at 11 AM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Westernville Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 7 PM.