Skip Shepherd, age 62, passed away unexpectedly at St. Lucie Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. For 18 beautiful years, he was the beloved husband of Sherry Shepherd.
Skip was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on August 25, 1956. He was the son of (predeceased) Esther Corcoran-Shepherd and Charles H. Shepherd.
Skip is survived by his children, Lacey (Eric) Gray, Raquel DosSantos, Edgard Melendez, and Diana, Brian, Adam and Alec Shepherd. He also leaves behind his siblings; Kevin (Cheryl) Shepherd, William (Julie) Shepherd, Chris (Tiffany) Shepherd, Cindy Camp, Carolyn Shepherd, and Sharon Guy, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Skip dedicated his life to public service. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for four years while stationed in Virginia. He also served aboard the USS Claude V. Ricketts as a Gunner's Mate. When he returned to Connecticut, he attended Naugatuck Valley Community Technical College and Tunxis Community College for Criminal Justice. He also received a certificate in supervisory leadership for law enforcement.
In 1979, Skip was hired for the State of Connecticut, Department of Corrections. He was promoted to Captain and retired after 20 years of employment. He was a member of the Correctional Emergency Response Team for many years. During his career with DOC he was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1991. After retirement, he began working for the City of Waterbury as a police officer. Shortly after, he was promoted to Police Sergeant. He was also a Certified Instructor for the State of CT in unarmed self defense. Skip loved the city of Waterbury and was always greeted by local residents wherever he went.
In 2014, Skip and Sherry moved to the state of Florida and began 'living the dream'. Often times, Skip could be found poolside, soaking up the sun, or hanging with friends at Dunkin Donuts. Even though he was 'retired' Skip's hard work ethic made it impossible for him to slow down. He started working as an Uber Driver which he loved as it gave him an opportunity to meet new people from all over. Most recently, Skip worked for Brosnan Security as a private armed security guard. When hurricane's touched down in 2017 and 2018, Skip was a tireless and selfless volunteer for hurricane relief efforts and traveled to both Puerto Rico and South Carolina.
Skip was a very passionate Harley Davidson enthusiast. He had most recently joined the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. On the weekends, Skip and Sherry could always be found on bike runs with friends.
Skip loved traveling the world with his wife Sherry by his side. Connecticut was always home, and they visited with family and friends often. He also had a very special bond with his dog, Roman (AKA his buddy).
Skip was a true hero to all that knew him. He will be remembered as a great husband, a hard worker, and a loyal friend to all.
Skip is reunited with both of his parents and many wonderful friend's he had lost along the way. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Skip's Life will take place Wednesday June 26, 2019 from 4-7 pm at Aycock Funeral Home-1504 SE Floresta Drive Port St. Lucie, Florida 34983.
Services will also be held in the state of Connecticut at the convenience of the family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18