Albert Shepard, 94
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Albert "Shep" Shepard, 94, of North Adams died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, five days short of his 95th birthday, with his son, John Shepard, nearby.
Born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Nov. 20, 1920, the son of Elmer and Anna Giovanna Shepard, he attended Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, Conn.
An Army veteran of World War II, he joined the Air Forces in July 1942. He served with distinction with the 14th Air Force and the 341st Bomb Group in India and Burma as a dorsal turret gunner in a B-25, flying ground attack missions, and then in China in C-47s flying much-needed supplies over the Himalayas, a service so dangerous it won him a Bronze Star. He reached the rank of staff sergeant before being reassigned to the Intelligence Division, contracted malaria and recovered, and was discharged in January 1946.
Mr. Shepard began his employment at Sikorsky Aircraft that same year as a cost accountant and was promoted in 1959 to supervisor of the order department, in 1969 to chief of administration and, in 1978, to chief of administration at Norden, a subsidiary, as well. He retired in 1987.
He was the devoted husband of the former Ida Picarazzi, who died just over a year ago. He was known to all who loved him as "Shep."
After they were married in 1949, they lived in Lordship, Conn., for 43 years until they moved to North Adams, and spent their winters for more than 30 years at Cypress Club Condominiums in Pompano Beach, Fla., where they were active and celebrated members of that community.
Having enjoyed a retirement of nearly 28 years, Mr. Shep was a fiercely loving and dedicated father and grandfather. He claimed to wish to avoid all socializing but unfailingly became the life of whatever party or gathering he attended. He loved dogs and a good drink, had the best sense of humor most people have ever encountered, and was unfailingly generous with his time and his money, and happy to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and acquaintances.
His family was always his central concern, and his family adored him for his kindness and compassion.
Besides his son, of North Adams, he leaves another son, James Shepard of Williamstown; his three grandchildren, Aidan, Emmett and Lucy; his brothers-in-law Mario and Guido Picarazzi and their wives, Rose and Jean; his sisters-in-law Virginia Gesh and Sylvia Chandler and her husband, Peter, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A memorial service for Mr. Shepard will take place at Our Lady of Peace Church in Lordship, Conn., on Monday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., and he will be interred in Williamstown.
In lieu of condolence gifts, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.