Barry Thomas Sheppard

Barry Thomas Sheppard passed peacefully at home on November 14, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. This was his third cancer fight, all of which he so bravely and positively fought.

He was the loving husband of Susan (Woodsum) Dow and adoring father of Rachel Sheppard.

The oldest of three children of Sandra (Tatosian) Sheppard and Michael Vermette, Barry was born in Lowell, MA on May 23, 1963 and raised in Hudson, NH. After he graduated from high school, he proudly joined the military in 1983. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force and flew F-16 Fighter Jets, of which he was extremely proud. He was honorably discharged in 1993 following his first battle with cancer. After the military, he went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in business Management from New Hampshire College and worked as a Retail Manager, until he was forced to retire in 2009 after his second cancer fight.

Barry’s life was filled with love, fun and adventure. He felt that the secret to life was to relish the present, as he knew that life is short and we need to live every day to the fullest. He lived life well, appreciating his journey with his ready smile and big heart. He was a genuinely kind man, who was enthusiastic about sharing adventures with friends and family. He was always up for anything fun and adventurous with his wife, friends and family, as long as everyone was happy and having a good time!

He was a very active man with many hobbies, some of which were: Flying, Boating, Fishing, Golfing, Music, Concerts, Bowling, Beach, Comedy, his Mustang, Hosting “Tavern Night” at Shepp’s Tavern, Laughing, Dancing, Cribbage, Shooting and anything else that elicited a smile. His favorite of all was simply spending time with his daughter, who he adored and meant the world to him. Family and close friends meant everything to Barry, and he was very blessed to have countless special friendships.

In addition to Susan, his wife and the love of his life, he leaves behind his beloved daughter Rachel Sheppard and her partner Clay Langer.

Barry is also survived by his parents, Sandra Sheppard and Michael Vermette; sister, Tammy Parola and her husband Michael; niece, Kali Morrissette; nephew, Troy Sheppard; stepsons, Nolan and Lucas Dow; extended family and many, many dear friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Cindy Sheppard and nephew, Thomas Morrissette.

Barry’s family would like to thank the amazing team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute; specifically Dr. Glenn Hanna, Dr. Rosh Sethi, Dr. Donald Annino, Ronnie King NP, Michelle Mullin RN, and the amazing team of Nurses on Yawkee 11, especially Alberto and Taylor.

Visiting hours were held Friday, November 18th, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Ave, Amesbury, immediately followed by a memorial service to celebrate Barry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a gift in memory of Barry Sheppard to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Dr. Glenn Hanna. Checks can be made payable to Dana-Farber. Please include in the memo “In memory of Barry Sheppard – Dr. Glenn Hanna.” Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift