Peter Nathan Shepley

TAMPA, Fla. – Peter Nathan Shepley, 75, passed away on Aug. 19, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. with his family by his side.

Peter was born in Portland on Jan. 11, 1947. He was a 1965 graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School where he played varsity basketball and baseball and was Vice President of the Student Council and Chairman of the United Fund. He then attended the University of Maine where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1969, and later his MBA. He married Dianne, his longtime Cape Elizabeth classmate and friend, in 1968. They were married for 54 years.

Peter devoted his life to educating others. He was a leader, mentor, educator and friend to the many students and faculty with whom he worked. He began his career teaching math and coaching basketball and softball at North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth for 12 years. In 1981, he tried a different path and became CFO at Vermont Contract Furnishings Company in Rutland, Vt. He happily returned to education in 1983 when hired as Director of Admissions and math teacher at The Albany Academy in Albany, N.Y.

He left Albany in 1988 for what would become his most cherished community and where he would spend the remainder of his career, Tampa Preparatory School in Tampa, Fla. He joined Tampa Prep as Associate Head of School, and later served as Head of the Upper School. He was involved in several education associations, including the National Association of Independent Schools and the Florida Council of Independent Schools. Peter served Tampa Prep for 25 years and retired in 2012.

After retirement, he continued supporting the Tampa Prep community by attending sporting events, theatre productions, graduation ceremonies, and grandparents’ day proudly in support of his grandson, Blake. He also continued to support other Tampa area educators as a member of the Education Committee at Academy Prep Tampa and a member of the Bay Area Heads of School.

Peter had a lasting impact on his students, many of whom tell stories of his pivotal guidance and support coupled with his incredible sense of humor, share the ways he helped them achieve their potential, and have passed on how he taught them to have confidence in themselves and in life.

Peter was known for his dry sense of humor and quick wit, and his love for all things sports, including his beloved Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Boston Red Sox. He was known for his continued love of Maine and spent time there with family and lifelong friends every summer, a highlight of his year and where he boasted his goal was to eat lobster every day. He was an avid reader and a crossword puzzle expert.

As much as he gave to others, Peter’s children and grandchildren were his heart and joy. He never missed a sports game of his son or daughter from a young age through high school. He spent many years with his son traveling on weekends to hockey tournaments and spending his days at ice rinks. He also coached his daughter in softball for several years plus would spend hours in the backyard with her practicing her sport of the season.

His eldest grandson loved his talks with Grampy about his day and working through math problems together. His two youngest grandchildren loved how Grampy would sneak them donuts when no one was looking. Peter’s unwavering devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren will continue on as they emulate his dedication to spending quality time with those you love.

Peter is survived by his wife, Dianne Shepley; son, Brian Shepley of Tampa, Fla. and daughter, Kristen Elmer (David) of Boston, Mass.; grandchildren Blake Shepley of Tampa, Fla. and Aidan and Chase Elmer of Boston, Mass. He also was beloved by many nieces, nephews; cousins; and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Roberta Shepley; and sister, Peggy S. Harlow.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Tampa Prep student center in Tampa, Fla. A service will be held in Cape Elizabeth at a later date.

Donations may be made

in his honor to:

Tampa Prep Faculty Programs

727 W. Cass St.

Tampa, FL 33606 or at

tampaprep.org/support/give-gift-form