We raise a Yuengling to toast Gary Shephard and his life of service to family, community, and country. Gary spent his childhood and young adult life in Lynbrook, NY where he and his beloved wife Irene started their family. Together, they raised three children — eventually moving to Pennsylvania on Lake Wallenpaupack.

Gary dutifully ran several family businesses including Shephard Fuel & Service, Shephards’ Marina, and GenSon Ash Industries, deepening his mechanical knowledge, which he enjoyed teaching his grandsons. Gary proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he began what would become a lifelong commitment to the volunteer fire company, first at Tally Ho in Lynbrook and later at Tafton Fire Co. in Tafton, PA. Throughout his work with the fire department, many would come to know Gary as a valued mentor and friend.

Gary often greeted the people in his circle with a "hey pal" and he meant it. He was a sincere friend to many, often recognizing and showing up in the places where help was needed. Gary was also known to tell things exactly as he saw them and had unconventional pearls of wisdom. People valued Gary because he was deeply kind, genuine, and unapologetically real.

Gary fought admirably for time with his family, throughout a long illness, so he could be present for everyday moments and celebrated milestones. By his example, Gary taught his children Jennifer (Alan), Jason (Stephanie), and Lauren (Jay) that no one is owed an easy life and the importance of a strong work ethic. Gary is predeceased by his parents George and Bertha Shephard and survived by his brothers Robert, Kevin (Dale), and Peter (Debbie) and sister Karen (Thomas). He left a legacy of service to his children and grandchildren Tyler, Garrett, Victoria, Jake, Luke, Hannah, Sarah, Cooper, Olivia, and Nathan, great-grandchildren J.J. and Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews.

His favorite places were with family and friends, on the lake or on the golf course.

Think of Gary when you're enjoying a Yuengling, if Billy Joel's Piano Man plays spontaneously on the radio, or when you find yourself on the giving or receiving end of an act of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gary’s memory to one of these charitable organizations that he supported:

- MacBoston 18 Truck Fallen Firefighter Memorial – P.O. Box 198, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

- Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets, Inc – P. O. Box 25, Greentown, PA 18426

- Tafton Fire Company – P.O. Box 5, Tafton, Pa 18464

- Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance – 533 W Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335

Note: For the visitation, please come casually dressed in “Gary attire”… a flannel shirt, fire or military service t-shirt, or golf shirt.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 9th from 6 to 8 PM at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St. Hawley, PA.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, April 10th at 10 AM at B.V.M. Queen of Peace R.C. Church, 314 Chestnut St., Hawley. The family asks those attending the Mass go directly to the church.