William A. Shepard

Sergeant William A. Shepard, 84, died peacefully on February 26, 2021 at his home on Oneida
Lake surrounded by family. Bill was born on October 22, 1936 in Syracuse, NY to Margaret and
Kenneth Shepard. He grew up in Mattydale and graduated from St. John’s high school. His
passion for serving the community and his family was prevalent in his commitment to all.
Bill enjoyed serving in the Korean War, where he was a weatherman and watched the radar.
Shortly after he returned home, Bill joined the police academy. On his weekends home from the
academy, Bill would pick up his brother, Jim, and bring him back to Mattydale. The gleam on
Jim’s face and the immense joy it brought when his big brother would pick him up was the
reason it was Bill's favorite story to share.

When Bill graduated from the police academy, he was signed by the Syracuse Police Force.
Over his twenty-year career, he was awarded many commendations, recognitions, and
promotions. The most important when Bill was honored with Sergeant. He was and still is
highly respected by his fellow officers.

Bill and Jeannine were married on October 9, 1968. Shortly after their wedding, Bill adopted
her four children as his own. They had a fifth child and Bill selflessly dedicated his life to them.
He spent his life providing and wholeheartedly raising his family. He drove a school bus,
delivered Land O’ Lakes, and worked continuously to be able to create many family memories.
They enjoyed weekends on the lake and summers up at camp. In addition to family vacations
were yearly trips to Mexico Point and weekends on Beach Road with the Wright Family. Bill
was always dragging a boat for the family pleasure.

After retiring from the Syracuse Police Force, Bill took a position at Niagara Mohawk where he
spent the next fifteen years. Following retirement, Bill and Jeannine bought a Florida home in a
beautiful gated community with several of his retired police friends. He became an avid golfer,
challenging many courses from New York to Florida. He was a faithful lifetime member of St.
Margaret’s Church, where his parents were instrumental in opening the St Margaret’s School.
He was also a member of the Syracuse PBA and the Mattydale VFW.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jeannine; sons, Daniel, Mark, Steven (Melissa);
daughter, Sharon (Paul); and daughter-in-law, Cheri. Blessed with nine grandchildren: Mitchell,
Stacy (Benjamin), Amber (Ryan), Cara, Amanda, Karissa, Grace, Jacob, Steven, and extra
blessed with five great grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bill is
preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Kenneth Shepard; brother, James; sisters
Margaret and Nancy; his son, James and daughter-in-law, Judith.

Bill will be remembered for his integrity and commitment. His Canadian family refers to him as
the patriarch of the O’ Brien, Birchall, Wright, and Shepard families. Nothing was too much
trouble; he was the guy who made good things happen for everyone around him!

Send donations in his memory to St. Margaret’s Church, 203 Roxboro Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204.

Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. Prayer Services will begin at 9:15 am at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret’s Church. Burial will be in North Syracuse Cemetery.