Gerard Shepherd Obituary

Shepherd, Gerard W. Age 67, died on Sunday, October 2, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on September 23, 1949 in South Weymouth, Massachusetts to William Francis and Helen Madeline (Franey) Shepherd. He is survived by his brothers, Bill, George and Brian. Jerry grew up in Rockland and Whitman, Massachusetts, where he loved playing baseball and starring in school musicals. After graduation from Cardinal Spellman High School in 1967, he attended and graduated from Harvard University on a full scholarship. Jerry went on to earn his Ph.D. in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1977, he taught English and was a student advisor at Northridge Preparatory School, and from 1988 to 1998 served as the school headmaster. He retired from Northridge in 2011 and went to serve as Director of the Midtown Program for boys in Chicago. Jerry's deep Christian life impacted many friends who look to him as a role model for their lives. The wake will be held at Midtown Cultural Center, 1825 N. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60622 on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary of The Angels, 1850 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., and he will be interred immediately after at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 South Wolf Rd., Hillsdale, IL 60162. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Midtown Center, 1819 N. Wood St., Chicago, IL 60622. Info 773-292-5450.