Richard (Dick) was born in Jamaica, Queens, Long Island to Joseph and May Shepherd. He was raised in Dunellen, New Jersey and had an older brother William (Bill). While attending Rutgers, he participated in the R.O.T.C. program and upon graduation in 1951, was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. With the Korean War going on, Lt. Shepherd’s early business skills were utilized Stateside, initially serving in a special guard detail for top Air Force officers visiting West Point and then serving in a diplomatic liaison role in Washington, D. C. for visiting dignitaries. After his active-duty commitment was completed, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1965.

Interestingly, Dick’s brother, Bill, was drafted in 1950 and served in the United States Army in Germany at the same time Dick was serving in the Air Force. They only saw each other once for a very brief period while Bill was on leave in Washington, D.C.  Today, Bill is living in Westfield, New Jersey and he still fondly remembers this visit together while they were both serving their country.

After completing his active duty, Dick received an M.B.A. at New York University and a J.D. at the Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. He started his legal career as a sole practitioner and spent 40 years in Smyrna, Georgia before returning to New Jersey in 2005. In addition to a passion for the law, Dick was a dedicated musician. He played the trombone in both the Rutgers Marching Band and The Atlanta Blue Notes while in Smyrna.

Dick spent the final 15 years of his life under the care of the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Menlo Park. His family is extremely thankful for their compassion and caring.