MELROSE — Walter R. Sheppard, 82, of Melrose, passed away on March 6.
Walter was born to William and Bella Sheppard on August 13, 1932 in Chelsea. He was raised in Chelsea and attended Chelsea Schools. Walter honorably served his country for twenty years in the U.S. Air Force. He started out as a cook, but he retired as a Staff Sergeant. After his service in the Air Force, he worked as a mailman for twelve years. He even spent time working in a pizza shop owned by one of his children.
Walter was much more than just an airman and a mailman, he was a family man. He spent 56 years by the side of his loving wife Elaine (Robb) Sheppard. Together, they raised their four children who went on to have families of their own. Walter loved playing cards and was such a good player, he would often be accused of cheating by his grandchildren. In addition to cards, Walter enjoyed drawing, woodwork, billiards, painting and reading. He also enjoyed traveling with his family; his twenty years in the military brought him all over the world, from Germany to Alaska. Walter was also a member of the Revere Elks Club, where he had many friends. He also devoted time to volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Walter was the loving father of Patricia J. Stafford and her husband John of Natick; Janice l. Bellanti and her husband Michael of VA; Katherine A. Richards and her husband Adam of Florida; and Matthew J. Sheppard and his wife Melissa of Saugus. He was the cherished grandfather of Sean, Brianna, Taylor, Michaelyn, Donald, Joshua, Matthew, Jr., and Joseph; and the late Jonathan Richards. He was the great grandfather of Avery, Hays, and Peyton. He was the caring brother of Charles Sheppard and his wife Debra; Susan Porcaro and her husband John, all of Billerica; and the late Evelyn Sweeney, William “Bill” Sheppard and Charlotte Loucks. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service was held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, March 9. Visiting hours were held on Sunday, March 8. Burial took place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472. To sign online guestbook and for additional information please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
