Grafton/Millbury – Avery C. Shepard, 86, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at Lanessa Extended Care in Webster. His wife, Lorraine M. (Martin), passed away in 2006.
Avery is survived by her daughters, Laura M. Shepard and her husband John Dupont and Linda J. Shepard; his brother, Dwight Shepard and his wife Joanne; his uncle, John Wellman; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, George Shepard, and sister, Electra Shepard, who passed away as a child.
Avery was born April 23, 1931 in Whitingham, Vt., son of the late Avery D. Shepard and Laura (Wellman). He was a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade High School and spent four years in the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant followed by 34 years in the MA Air National Guard.
Avery was an electrician by trade having worked for Mass Electric Company for 38 years until 1992. He also founded Avery C. Shepard Electrician in 1975 and worked independently into the 1990s.
He was a past member and Treasurer of IBEW Local 329, was head of facilities at Bethlehem Covenant Church and was also a member of the Baptist Church of Grafton. Avery and his wife Lorraine were also passionate about motorcycle riding and were known to do so for many years, Avery even into his early 80s as they were members of The Friendly Riders Motorcycle Club.
All are welcome to gather with Avery’s family Thursday, Jan. 11, from 10-11 a.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial in Vermont will be private at his family’s convenience.
A Book of Memories to share a memory of Avery or message of sympathy with his family is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
