Obituaries
Serving Our Community Since 1951Walter 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 pinochle 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.
Friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St, Stratford and at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Mark's Church for a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Saint Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may visit with the family Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
For additional information or to share a message of condolence, visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.
To plant a tree in memory of Walter Miles Shephard, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
25
Jan
2591 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Service
26
Jan
2591 Main Street
Stratford, CT 06615
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial
26
Jan
500 Wigwam Lane
Stratford, CT 06614
Interment
26
Jan
2205 Stratford Avenue
Stratford, CT 06615