Philip William Shepard

Philip William Shepard, 90, of Elyria, was welcomed home on Monday, April 27, 2026 reunited at last with his Lord, his Savior, and, no doubt, the love of his life, Jackie. Born June 19, 1935, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to John B. and Catherine (Cooney) Shepard, Phil served proudly in the United States Air Force (1955-1959). While stationed in New York, he met Jackie Romeo, a nursing student whose quiet grace turned into a lifelong love story. They married September 12, 1959, and built a family (and plenty of mileage) across the Northeast before settling in Elyria in 1964. Phil's career spanned General Electric and, for more than three decades, Mosler Safe Company, where he served as a Regional Sales Manager. But his real life's work was simpler and far more impressive: husband for nearly 65 years, father of five, and the steady center of a growing, laughing, ever-expanding family. He was known for his warmth, his timing, and a one-liner that rarely missed. Hold the door and he'd promise, 'I'll tip you on the way out.' He would compliment the meal but suggest charging another table. His humor wasn't for show-it was an open invitation, and everyone was welcome in on the joke. In retirement, he enjoyed the golf course, but his favorite place was wherever his family happened to be-especially if it included the joyful noise of great-grandchildren nearby. At his 90th birthday in Destin last summer, surrounded by generations he helped shape, he seemed to understand something rare: he had gotten the important things exactly right. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Marie Shepard, and his parents. He is survived by his children, AnnMarie Shepard (Mark Boyer), Mary Pat (Jim) Harris, Donna (Mike) Arnholtz, Stephen (Lisa) Shepard, and Maureen Shepard; along with 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews who knew him as both storyteller and co-conspirator. Phil's legacy lives on in the laughter he leaves behind-in the well-timed pause, the dry aside, his deep faith, and the quiet, steady love that holds a family together. The family will receive friends 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at St. Jude Church 590 Poplar St. Elyria, Ohio. The Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem, Pastor Emeritus will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Elyria where the U.S. Air Force and VFW. Post #1079 will provide full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Phil's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com