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BORN

1962

DIED

2026

Alan Shepard Obituary

Shepard, Alan

Dr. Alan G. Shepard, born March 31, 1962, in Detroit passed away surrounded by family on January 7. 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband of 36 years to Debbie Shepard and a loving father to Matt and Rebecca Shepard.

Alan was cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, patients, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Alan's skill as a preeminent general neurologist is well known throughout Chicagoland. He attended Loyola University Medical school and went on to train as a neurologist in 1992 at Northwestern, followed by a Neurophysiology fellowship at Rush. Alan never refused a request to see a patient, no matter how busy he was. In 2021, Alan received the Nicholas Vick Teaching Award in honor of his work with students and residents. Following his 32-year career, Alan received the Neurology Distinguished Service Award where his lifetime of service to his patients was recognized in a ceremony attended by his colleagues and family.

Since his high school band "Tudie and the Fruities", Alan's true passion was music. Alan always enjoyed playing his guitar. He took lessons, would play with his friends, and even played at local open mics. His favorite style of music was Delta Blues. He particularly admired Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin Wolf, and Muddy Waters. In his final days, Alan found comfort in listening to Warren Zevon, whose life was also tragically cut short by cancer.

Alan loved sports and would relax by watching NBA games and classic boxing. He enjoyed trying new restaurants and cultural offerings and taking walks by the lake with Debbie. He had a warm smile and enjoyed making those around him laugh. Alan's favorite movie was Caddyshack which he claimed to have seen over 100 times. But his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was enormously proud of his two children, a Public Defender and a Philanthropy professional. He is dearly missed and will always be in our hearts.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 12, 2026.

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Julie Gordon

Yesterday

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr Shepard´s for many years. He was an amazing doctor and always enjoyed working with him. He had a very calming way about him and a really lovely personality. Sounds like he was an amazing Husband and Father as well. My condolences.

Anna Papadopoulos

April 1, 2026

I am deeply saddened to hear about Dr Shepard passing. He was my neurologist for 5 years after my second stroke. He truly cared about his patients. He helped me so much in my recovery and always was hopeful about my progress. I had a scheduled appointment to see him again when they told me he is no longer with Northwestern , I thought he had retired. I never imagined this. It's truly sad, he was an amazing person that cared so much. He touched so many lives I am sure of that and he literally saved me. My deepest condolences to his wife Debbie and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace.

Celine Zeunert

March 28, 2026

Dr Shepard was the smartest and kindest doctor I ever encountered. He always listened carefully and was the best at his profession. I hope he is at peace now.

ANNETTA BREWER

March 23, 2026

Dr. Shepard was more than my doctor, he truly cared for managing my health and embodied a relaxed attitude, ith every visit. Dr. Shepard always had a "everything will be better" attitude. He placed my health first, understood my career challenges as a high school teacher, and would suggest walking to reduce
my stress concerns. He would often speak of his wife and family. He made me feel human, valued, and special at the same time. I will truly miss him. I wish I could speak with one of his family members, to let them know what a blessing privilege it was to be a patient under his care for so many years.

Jon Vogel

March 17, 2026

I am very saddened to hear of this great loss. To me, Alan was a friendly colleague and a fellow neurologist when he was on staff at St. Joseph and Illinois Masonic hospitals. I would always enjoy seeing him and discussing neurology, family, or the state of medicine. To his patients he was a kind, calm, and humorous physician they could trust. My condolences to his family and friends, he will be missed.

Jacki T

March 10, 2026

Dr. Shepard was always warm, caring and fun to talk with. He had a true heart and would never turn anyone away. We enjoyed some great talks both as an employee, a patient and when he'd come visit the bar or coffee shop where I worked. I always enjoyed our check ins and hearing how things were going in his life. I am sorry I didn't know he was ill. My thoughts are with his family. I wish them strength and peace in this time.

Andrea McConnell

March 9, 2026

I was so saddened to hear this. He was my neurologist and was a pivotal person that helped me when no one else would. He listened and helped me through tough health times. I will forever be grateful! My deepest condolences,

Denise

March 8, 2026

Dr Shepard was my Neurologist for over 20 years. He helped me so much! Rest in peace! My sincere condolences to his Family! He was a wonderful person! Thank you so much Doctor!

Natalie Aragno

March 7, 2026

Doctor Shepard was my neurologist for 25 years. I was recommended to him upon moving to Chicago in 2000. He really went out of his way to find answers and solutions to my very unusual neurological issues. He was a good doctor and a good person. He will be missed.

Shari

February 24, 2026

Dr. Shepard was a wonderful doctor. He saved my life. I was injured at work had surgery elsewhere. He referred me to other great doc.

He will be missed by all of us.

May god bless his family.

Sarah

February 20, 2026

Dr. Shepard is one of the nicest doctors I have ever seen. Dr. Shepard was my doctor and always treated people with kindness and respect. He was methodical, caring, and made sure people felt seen, not just part of the medical system. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family.

Jim Skewer

February 19, 2026

Alan was a great man and friend. Went to high school with him and accompanied him during the "Tudie and the Fruities " days. The world will miss such a kind, talented, and knowledgeable being.

Love you Al.
Jim Skewer

Maria S

February 14, 2026

I was privileged to be Dr. Shepard's medical assistant for 2.5 yrs. He so lovingly took me under his wing and supported my dream of one day becoming a clinician. He treated me like a colleague, rather than his medical assistant, by teaching me neurology and asking for my opinions on cases. When I did not sign up for a preparatory class for a standardized exam during my graduate school admissions process due to cost, Dr. Shepard was concerned and offered to pay for it. Even when I was ultimately able to fund it on my own, he still made sure I had coffee every morning and a good lunch every day I came to work for him and before I left for class. Not only did I get the chance to learn neurology from a renowned physician, but I also learned the immense power of compassion from a wonderful man. His humble nature and deep concern for his family, friends, co-workers, and patients were infinite. Thanks to Dr. Shepard, I will soon graduate from Vanderbilt University as a nurse practitioner. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he continued to mentor and cheer me on through NP school. My deepest condolences to his family; it's truly heartbreaking to lose someone so remarkable. Even though he sadly left this world too soon, the impact he made in so many lives will live on forever.

Cassandra Villadonga

February 13, 2026

Such a kind and caring man! He took the best care of me and my mother at northwestern. May he rest in peace.

Golbarg Moaddab

February 11, 2026

DR Shepard was my mentor when I did my neurology rotation during my residency in St Joseph hospital. I shadowed him in his office for a month. He was an amazing teacher and human being. I am heartbroken to hear he has passed. My condolences to his family.

Meera Raja

February 6, 2026

I just learned of Dr. Shepard’s passing, and I want to share my memories. He was my neurologist at Northwestern for many years. I suffered debilitating migraines, and the Botox he injected for me changed my life. He encouraged me to go back to school as a senior. He often spoke of one of his sons who was involved in social-justice. To his family, please accept my condolences. He made my life better.

Dana Bonkowski

February 6, 2026

My deepest condolences for this tragic loss. I was lucky enough to have him as my neurologist for 20+ years, and I would have been absolutely lost without him.

His humility and compassion made him an exceptional person to be around...the fact that he was a fantastic neurologist was a bonus.

He saved my life, filled my cup when I needed reassurance, and has been a constant source of calm for 20+ years.

I will miss him terribly.

Meredith Chappell

February 5, 2026

Dr. Shepard was my doctor for many years -always thoughtful and thorough. He was so proud of his kids and had a great offbeat sense of humor. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Sheila O'Sullivan & Brian Moore

February 4, 2026

Debbie, our hearts are saddened by your loss and we have you, Matt and Becky in our thoughts and prayers at this sorrowful time. May cherished memories provide some peace. It was always a pleasure to see Alan and catch up.

Trista wentworth

February 3, 2026

I´m in such pain to hear about Dr. Sheppards passing. He found my brain aneurysm and helped save my life. Thank you Dr. Shepard! Forever in my heart . Trista

Nicole M Butler

January 27, 2026

My deepest condolences. Dr. Shepard was my doctor for 20+ years. He was so gracious, and had the best bedside manner. Whatever I needed as a patient, he would provide. I´m in shock and at a loss for words. He will definitely be missed. My prayers to the family.

Nidhi kansal

January 25, 2026

Alan was an amazing colleague and person. I am thankful to have known him for over a decade. He was one of the hardest working doctors I know and always willing to help anyone. He is truly missed. -Nidhi

Memorial Tree

james hall

Planted Trees

John G Conlon.

January 17, 2026

R.I.P. Doctor Alen Shepard
I was one of his Patients for 15 years or so, So sorry to the Family for there Loss

anne roberts

January 15, 2026

loving thoughts for Debbie, Matt and Becky.Twenty years ago, Alan reached out more than once to include my daughter in his family plans for a Saturday outing.I hope that all the good memories soon replace the sadness of the loss. Comfort to all who feel the loss of Alan.

Deb

January 15, 2026

My sincere condolences. I am lucky to have had him as my physician for over 20 years. He was all the things you want in a trusted care provider - smart, kind, patient, and a good listener. He will be missed.

MaryAnn

January 14, 2026

I was honored to have Dr Shepard as part of my wellness team! Such a kind man!

Heron & Betsy Rodriguez

January 14, 2026

Alan's loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of so many patients and colleagues. His kind and joyful generosity will never be forgotten. Our condolences to his family. Thank you, dear friend for so many years helping my patients, my family and for sharing your patients with me. We will always miss you. Heron.
Having been a patient of Dr Shepard's for many years, I cannot express how deeply sad I am at his passing. He truly was a dear friend always seeking the best for his patients and always making himself available for their care. He will be missed and is irreplaceable in our hearts. Our love and sympathy goes out to his beloved family. Betsy

Georgia Hall/Jeffrey Hall Jr.

January 14, 2026

Dear Shepard Family,
Dr. Shepard was my son´s neurologist for 17 years and he provided excellent care throughout that period of time. He was very caring, professional, patient and personable throughout the entire time he cared for Jeff. You have probably heard these comments or some similar from other patients. Once when we were late for an appointment, his nurse/assistant did not want to see us and tried to send us away, but I requested she ask him to consider seeing us and he immediately said YES, I WILL SEE THEM; DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY WENT THRU TO GET HERE?
We knew something was wrong, because during our early 2025 visit, I asked him if he was planning retirement anytime soon and he replied no; said he loved his job and would be there forever. We will miss him and have been told there is no one to replace him at this time. Sending prayers and hugs to you. The Hall family

Gayle Spill Ephraim

January 14, 2026

To Alan's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Alan when I was a PM&R intern rotating on Neurology service. I still have very fond memories of that time. Lots of learning and laughs. He had such a great sense of humor. Now, working at NMH, we have helped each other out with patient questions and concerns. He was always my Neuro go-to. I will miss him. May his memory be a blessing

magdy milad

January 14, 2026

Alan was such a fine clinician and human being. He was a deep listener with a selfless heart. I remember that his medical assistant crediting him for funding her studies so that she could apply to PA school. He took great care of me, my family members and my patients. I will truly miss him.

Elizabeth

January 14, 2026

I will miss Dr. Shepard very much. I became his patient 16 years ago when I was very ill, and he got me through that very scary time. After that I would see him once a year, and what everyone else is saying here is so true, he was always available at other times, if needed. I will never forget that. I will also never forget his calming presence, his smile, and his great medical advice. My last appointment with him was last January - we ended up chatting a little longer than we usually did, and I learned that he played the guitar, which made sense because he was wearing some very cool socks with guitars on them! I'm so sorry for your loss, Shepard family - he was one of the good guys.

Lorrie Elliott

January 13, 2026

Alan was my go-to neurology colleague. He was always ready to discuss a patient, always responded quickly, and his diagnoses were always spot on. Most importantly he was an incredibly kind and generous man. I will miss him greatly.

John Flaherty

January 13, 2026

Alan was a kind and generous colleague and he will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.

Dmitry Pyatetsky

January 13, 2026

I will miss Alan dearly. We were colleagues for many years and he was a trusted. Go to specialist to send my neurology patients too. My patience loved him and he was always available and willing to take on someone in need of help. May his memory be a blessing.

Alpesh A Patel MD

January 13, 2026

Alan's the embodiment of a physician: patient focused, challenging assumptions, pushing for better. He was one of my first close colleagues at Northwestern and I am grateful to have his insights over the past 12 years. My heart aches for his family but it's buoyed by all of lessons I've learned from him and the patients we have cared for together.

Richard Bernstein

January 13, 2026

A thoroughly decent man and dedicated physician, life cut short far too soon.

Shira Simon

January 13, 2026

He was a wonderful clinician and colleague, and a fantastic advocate for his patients. I will so miss working with him. May his memory be for a blessing.

Joan Paul

January 13, 2026

Dr Shepard was a kind and thorough doctor. Joan Paul

Sandra Morales

January 13, 2026

Sorry for your loss, Dr. Shepard will be dearly missed. He had good sense of humor and a very sweet smile.

Bill Elliot

January 12, 2026

I had so much respect and love for Alan through bonds we forged many years ago. So sorry for your loss..

Denise Murk-Uvena

January 12, 2026

Our hearts are broken from this news, too. Alan was an amazing man. We were very lucky to be friends with him. Always quick with a smile and extremely thoughtful. He was just the best. He will be missed terribly.

Stefanie

January 12, 2026

It was truly a pleasure knowing and being cared for by Dr. Shepard. He was a very thorough and attentive physician and will be greatly missed.

Glenn A. Pulice

January 12, 2026

Alan and I were friends in Southfield growing up. We played on many little league baseball teams and went to the same schools through high school. I recall going to his house many times. If it was on the day of a baseball game at Lederle Middle School and it rained, we would take rakes and shovels to remove water from the infield so the game would not be cancelled.

I am so very sorry for your loss.

PS, Alan had me beat on Caddyshack as I believe I have only seen it 25 times.

James Hall

January 12, 2026

Alan had a great sense of humor.
He was a genuine caring physician, friend and colleague.
He will be sorely missed.

Michelle

January 11, 2026

It was an honor and a privilege to be your assistant for many years. Thank you for all the great memories and the knowledge you shared with me. I hope you´re enjoying some Boston baked beans and listening to some blues. RIP Dr. Shepard I will always miss you. Prayers for Debbie Matt Becky and all your loved ones.

Jainel

January 11, 2026

I am truly sorry for your loss. Dr Shepard was not only a phenomenal coworker but a great neuro doctor. He will forever be missed.

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