Dean Alan Shepherd

Dean Alan Shepherd, of Largo, Florida, passed away on June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Tampa, Florida, raised in Columbus, Ohio, and spent most of his life in St. Petersburg, Florida, building a legacy rooted in love, hard work, and quiet devotion to his family and friends.

Dean dedicated 40 years to helping others as a pediatric respiratory therapist with 32 years on the transport team at All Children’s Hospital. His calm presence and steady hands left a lasting mark on the countless lives he touched through his care.

A man of wide-ranging talents and deep curiosity, Dean found joy in exploring the world through both his hands and his mind. He was a whitewater rafter and kayaker, an outdoorsman who cherished time hiking in the Smoky Mountains, and someone who could just as easily lose himself in the quiet focus of woodworking or tinkering under the hood of a car. He built his own rifle, sketched and painted in oils, and took genuine pleasure in learning—whether it was the intricacies of a mechanical system or the nuanced flavors of a new bourbon. Dean believed in the value of craft, exploration, and showing up fully in whatever he did, especially when it came to the people he loved.

Dean is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Diane Shepherd; his children, Jennifer, Jordi, and Jacob; and his beloved grandchildren, O’Dasia, Rajahnae, Marquell, Jimmy, Justin, Jymarcus, Kieron, Kristana. He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and four siblings—Terry, Paul, Chris, and Jennifer—as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis, and brother, Mark.

Dean’s life was defined not by grand gestures, but by quiet, unwavering acts of love. He was the one who showed up—during the hard times and the good—always ready to lend a hand, offer steady guidance, or simply be present when it mattered most. He gave of himself without ever needing to be asked. Dean taught his children—and everyone around him—that love is a verb, and his actions spoke it more clearly than words ever could.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at Serenity Funeral Home in Largo, Florida. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with services beginning at 6:00 p.m. and concluding at 9:00 p.m. All who knew him are welcome to attend, please come as you are.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hospice, in gratitude for their compassionate care.