Obituary of Edgar M. Sheppard Jr.

Edgar Miller Sheppard Jr. passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 100. A lifelong resident of the Philadelphia area, Ed was predeceased by his beloved wives, Mary Smythe Sheppard, and later Ann Fisher Hunter.

He will be deeply missed by his four children—Barbara  (late husband Jon), Ted, Linda, and Richard (Sandra)—as well as his stepdaughter, Rosalie (Joe). Affectionately known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren—Jason, Jennifer (Josh), Polly (Greg), Kristen (Matt), and Rebecca (Brian) —his step-grandchildren, Taylor, and Hunter —and his great-grandchildren, Riley, Emma, Ellison, Matthew, Parker, and Hadley—he was a beloved presence whose humor, kindness, and wisdom enriched their lives.

Ed’s early education began at Chestnut Hill Academy in Chestnut Hill, PA as a member of the Class of 1942. He continued his studies at the Forman School in Litchfield, CT, and later graduated from the Gunnery School in Washington, CT.

After graduation, Ed proudly served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Despite a serious injury during a training exercise that required months of recovery, he persevered and was honorably discharged. He went on to a successful career in the insurance industry, retiring as Vice President of Financial Services at Janney Montgomery Scott in 1987.

A dedicated alumnus of Chestnut Hill Academy, Ed served as President of the Alumni Association in the early 1970s. He was the proud recipient of the prestigious Francis P. Steel Jr. Award for Distinguished CHA Alumni and was an active member of the CHA Archives and Hall of Fame Committees. Ed cherished reconnecting with friends at Gunnery and CHA reunions, which brought him immense joy throughout his life.

Ed was passionate about Big Band music, and his encyclopedic knowledge of artists and songs made him the go-to DJ for parties, where he delighted guests with his carefully curated playlists. He loved to dance and was often the life of the party, spreading his infectious energy and joy on the dance floor.

He treasured time spent with family in Blue Hill, Maine; Sanibel, Florida; and on the Sassafras River in Maryland. In 1961, he purchased a Boston Whaler, a cherished boat still in use by his family in Blue Hill. Ed was also a creative inventor, and one of his proudest accomplishments was his patented portable mooring device, "Jason’s Portable Mooring."

A longtime member of the Philadelphia Cricket Club and the Union League, Ed was known for his wit and charm. One memorable moment was when he discovered a pearl in an oyster while dining in the Union League locker room. He would later turn it into "The Naked Pearl" tie tack, a reflection of his resourcefulness and humor.

Ed’s legacy is one of love, creativity, and a life lived to the fullest. Known for his quick wit, inventive spirit, and deep devotion to family and friends, he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Church 22 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118 on Wednesday January 22, 2025, at 10 AM.  A reception will follow in Parish Hall.  

Donations can be made to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, The Frederick Gunn School, The Veterans Administration, or The MS Society.