Obituary of Christopher R. Sheppard

Christopher Sheppard, 61, of Southbridge, MA died May 1, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born to the late Leonard E. and Alice L. (Giczkowski) Sheppard. He leaves behind one brother, Leonard E. Sheppard Jr and his wife, Wendy, of Wilmington, MA and five sisters, Dawn Pettinelli and her husband, Paul of Charlton, MA, Susan Sheppard of Utah, Belinda Donohue and her husband, Phil of Charlton, MA, Carol Mitchell-Boudreau and her husband, Bob of NH, and Laura Sheppard and her husband, Kevin Bathalon of Amherst, NH, along with nieces and nephews, Chace, Caitlin, Emily, Carlyn, Phillip and Sydney.

Chris loved his job as a print shop specialist at Raytheon where he worked for almost 20 years. Even in his declining health he enjoyed ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and volunteering at the St. John Paul II food pantry.

Fishing was a favorite pastime and Chris and his father spent many a day trolling for dinner at the family’s vacation home in Maine. Family was extremely important and Chris looked forward to every holiday and family gathering. He never forgot a birthday and was always ready to give a helping hand to any sibling who needed it.

Chris had a great sense of humor although sometimes his repetitive routines, due to a traumatic brain injury, drove his family a bit crazy. Eating out was a favorite activity and he especially liked to go out with family members for breakfast and lunch.

Chris had a firm belief that God would watch over him and looked forward to Mass each week at St. John Paul II parish. Now, he is at peace and together with his parents in heaven.

Funeral services will be private. The Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home in Danielson, CT has been entrusted with his arrangements. A guest book is available at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com where condolences can be posted. Anyone wishing to honor Chris’ life is welcome to make a donation to the St. John Paul II food pantry in Southbridge.