Mr. Walter Miles Shephard, beloved husband for 63 years of Virginia Masten Shephard, passed away on January 21, 2016. He is survived by his daughter Susan Shephard Fornaro and her husband Nicholas of Easton, MA; son Richard Miles Shephard and his wife Linda Devore Shephard of Albuquerque, NM; his daughter Barbara A. Shephard and her husband Ivan D. Frantz III of Hingham, MA, his sister Dorothy Moran of Ansonia, CT and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters Arlene Shephard and Grace Falco and brother Clarence. He is also survived by grandchildren Alex Fornaro, Brittany Shephard Baca, Emily Hall Shephard, Ivan D. Frantz IV and Leland Miles Frantz; great-grandchildren Noah and Austin Baca.
Walter was born in 1928 and raised in the south end of Bridgeport, CT, attended Sacred Heart School, Bassick High School, and University of Bridgeport. He started his 44 year career at Sikorsky Aircraft in 1948, served and retired from the Connecticut National Guard and moved to Stratford, CT in 1952. During his career at Sikorsky Aircraft he was assigned to a Program Management Team located in Germany where he moved his family for three years. He returned to Sikorsky in Stratford where he progressed to higher management positions. Walter retired as Director of Operations-Spares in 1991, responsible for processing customer orders and delivery to US Military and customers worldwide.
Walter was a gregarious, generous man who endeared himself to all who came to know him. He was happiest when surrounded by friends and family in social gatherings. He was unbeatable in pinocle which he taught his children and grandchildren. He was well-known for his meticulous grooming of his yard and especially his cars. He loved music and was active in singing groups throughout the area including Our Lady of Grace church choir, St. Mark’s church choir and St. Mark’s Players as well as United Chorale. As a young man he was a musician in local dance bands. Walter and Ginny loved traveling which they were able to do extensively after his retirement, visiting 6 continents. Walter was a sports enthusiast and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. Recently his loyalty drifted to the New England Patriots.
In 2010, Walter and Virginia relocated to the Boston area to live closer to their daughters. During these past months of illness, Walter inspired all by his spirit and energy driven by his desire to stay with his family as long as he could. Though he will be sorely missed, his comfort and rest in heaven is well deserved.
There will be a wake only at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman on Sunday January 24 from 2:00-4:00 PM. All are invited to come pay their respects and wish him a safe journey.
Funeral and burial will be held in Connecticut.