Obituary of Harry Edward Shepherd
Somerset, NJ – Harry Edward Shepherd, 81, passed away April 17, 2025 at The Gardens at Monroe Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Monroe Township, NJ.
Born on December 1, 1943, Harry was the only child of Edward Harry and Charlotte V. Shepherd. He was raised in Roselle Park, NJ where he graduated from Roselle Park High School in 1962. He was in the bowling league and the fish and game club; played the trumpet in the marching band and showed an interest in chemistry and meteorology.
After graduation, Harry began a decades-long career as a lab technician at the former Degussa Corp., a chemical company in Roselle Park. Harry eventually moved from Roselle Park to Somerset after the company relocated to Piscataway. He spent more than 40 years at Degussa and retired in the early 2000’s.
In the early part of his career at Degussa, Harry’s supervisor encouraged him to enroll in college. Harry heeded his advice and spent eight years taking night classes at University College in Newark. He graduated with a bachelor’s of art in sociology in 1973.
As a young adult, he joined the interfaith pacifist organization Fellowship of Reconciliation and participated in Vietnam War protests and Civil Rights demonstrations. He had the opportunity to hear Martin Luther King Jr. speak at the March on Washington and at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark.
Harry enjoyed traveling and visited several national parks and Native American reservations. He was fond of photography and liked to go to New England to capture the fall foliage. He also loved music, especially country, and attended several concerts. A few of his favorite artists were John Denver, Emmylou Harris and Billy Joel.
In 2001, he joined Christ United Methodist Church in Piscataway and over the decades sought out opportunities for spiritual growth through Adult Sunday School classes and the Disciple Bible Study.
He was predeceased by his parents Edward Harry and Charlotte V. Shepherd.
Visitation will be at Christ United Methodist Church, 485 Hoes Lane, starting at 9 a.m. The funeral service is at 9:30 a.m. followed by the burial at Lake Nelson Memorial Park in Piscataway and a repast at the church.