Gerald Herbert Shepard, Sr.

Grand Isle - Gerald Herbert Shepard Sr, 83, died peacefully on Wednesday evening, May 11, 2022 at his home with family. Gerald known as Jerry, was born Oct. 8, 1938 in Burlington, the son of Arthur Sr. and Hilda (Cushing) Shepard. On July 25, 1959 he married Darlene Blaisdell. Gerald worked construction all his life and possessed the ability to fix anything. He was a past Commander, Color Guard Captain, and lifetime member at American Legion Post 91 in Colchester. Also known as Mr. Social, he enjoyed helping people, and was always quick with a story or joke. Grandkids loved hearing him talk like Donald Duck or Popeye. Gerald also enjoyed collecting everything, family gatherings, dancing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Gerald lost his wife Darlene, of 62 years, in 2021. He is survived by their children, Gerald Shepard, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Grand Isle, Timothy Shepard and his wife Louise of Colchester, Tina Abentroth and her husband Tom of St. Petersburg, FL, and Karen Haines and her husband Chris of Essex, 11 grandchildren: Julia Reed, and her husband Brad, Nicholas Shepard, and his wife Lucia, Jacob, Wyatt, Silas, Travis, Kyle, Heather and her husband Timothy Shover, Sasha Abentroth, Jason Shepard, and Brandi Sutton, 12 great grandchildren: Brayden, Zander, and Isaac Reed, Monty, Lavay, Iris, and Cypress Shepard, Callie, Marlie, and Edson Abentroth, Jillian and Mowgli Sutton. He leaves behind sister Theresa Lavalette, brother Neil Shepard and his wife Barbra of Colchester, and brother Lynn Shepard and his wife Ann, of Williston, several brother/sister-in-laws, and many nieces/nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers: Eugene, Carl Sr., Arthur Jr., Floyd, Clayton Sr., Edward, Doug Sr., and sister Marie Shepard. There will be a graveside service on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 3pm at Resurrection Park Cemetery in So. Burlington.