Harold Robert Shepard

PORTLAND – Harold Robert Shepard, 98, passed away at home in Portland on Sept. 29, 2021, surrounded by his immediate family.

Harold was born on June 26, 1923, in Portland, to parents Louis and Sarah Shepard. He graduated from Portland High School and attended the Boston Conservatory of Music. In his youth he enjoyed singing with bands at the end of the pier in Old Orchard Beach. Harold was a longtime local businessman, landlord, and owner of Launder-In as well as a lifetime member of Shaarey Tphiloh Synagogue.

Harold will forever be remembered as a loving family man and friend. He gave thoughtful advice even if it was hard to hear and could talk sports and politics any time of day. Harold was able to repair most things and if he couldn’t he had a local “guy” that could. Harold especially enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren, making them laugh with a tickle or his Papa jokes.

Harold is survived by his wife of 49 years, Katherine P. Shepard, of Portland; his son, Marc Shepard, of Windham, his daughter, Sarah (Matthew) Trenoweth; and grandchildren Emily McKeen, Benjamin Trenoweth, and Natalie Trenoweth, all of Portland.

He is preceded by his parents; and seven siblings, Sally (Louis) Bernstein, Hester (Louis) Berman, Myer Shepard, Helen (Lawrence) Nathan, Hyman Shepard, Morris Shepard, and Ruth (Nathan) Herring.

A private family service officiated by Rabbi Berenson was held on Oct. 4 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Portland.

Our family would like to thank Northern Lights Home Health and Hospice for all their care during the last week of Harold’s life. Without their support we would not have been able to keep him home during that most difficult time.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to Northern Lights Home Health and Hospice or your local hospice service. Or plant a tree in his name in Israel through the Jewish National Fund.