John J. Sheppard

John Sheppard, age 47, of Wilmington, DE, died of suicide on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Born in Dover, DE, John was the son of the late Kathleen (McDermott) and Edward B. Sheppard, Sr.

John was a loyal and loving son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. He enjoyed playing games (cards, board games, billiards, darts, and video games) and playing many sports. He was an accomplished athlete at Cape Henlopen High School in soccer and wrestling. He also loved playing Little League Baseball, especially for the Lewes Braves, where he won several championships with his Dad, Ed Sr., as head coach.

John loved helping people and spent several years with the song and dance performance group SPIRIT that helped provide teenagers alternatives to alcohol and drug use. He participated in workshops helping teens learn how to communicate better with their parents and how to create coping strategies for the pressures of life. John also worked as a lifeguard at Cape Henlopen State Park and used his first aid, triage, and search and rescue skills many times throughout his life as truly a good Samaritan. He also loved animals especially his Dalmatian, Orea.

John worked several jobs and paid his own way thorough the University of Delaware where he graduated with dual degrees in Finance and Philosophy. He also played soccer for multiple club soccer teams at Delaware. John worked in the commercial banking industry and eventually found a calling in the restaurant business where he learned about the service industry. Starting as a busboy, he worked his way up through cook, manager, and general manager for Nationwide chains such as Cracker Barrel. Most recently, he worked as a care giver for an autistic gentleman providing him safety and security while performing cleaning, bathing, and cooking duties.

John was always available for family and friends. He truly enjoyed just hanging out with people telling stories, laughing, eating and drinking, playing board games and sports, and talking smack. He will be sorely missed by many and will forever remain in our hearts, Rest in Peace.

Family and friends may visit from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 14 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 or from 11:00 am to 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 15 at Groome Church, 601 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a Dalmatian Rescue nonprofit or please talk with someone you love about the dangers, tragedy, and impacts of suicide.

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