Born the week of Mothers Day, Daniel J. Sheppard entered the world, following shortly behind his twin brother, David, the third son of Jane and Edward Sheppard, May 14th, 1954. From that day forward his life would be written in the memories of all of those he would meet on a 70 year journey to shrink the world with every adventure.
His journey was cut short, peacefully, in this sleep on Sunday, February 02, 2025 in the home he has nurtured for 43 years. This day is shared with the birth of his mother. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Jane Sheppard and his brother Michael.
He is survived by his brothers David Sheppard and wife Elaine and daughter Laura; and Bobby Sheppard and wife Sue. He is survived by his son Kyle Sheppard and daughter Janelle Sheppard. He is also survived by his former wife Susan Sheppard.
He was the third of four sons to grace the town of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts at the end of Brittany Ln. Remaining in the state, he received his undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts before hitching, a one-way ride with a friend, to Florida for his Graduate Degree at the University of Central Florida. From there, it seemed that he never looked back.
“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.” ~ Mark Twain
From a young age, Daniel found courage, in a household of four boys, to take risk in meeting people. Along the way, he had learned that everyone has a lesson to give and the opportunities to share are endless. Those in his proximity will attest that he was a traveler etched into the memories and photos that act as seeds to the loved ones he leaves behind.
Shortly after his arrival to Florida, Daniel met Susan who would become his wife. They claimed a place for themselves in 1983 at a corner lot in Winter Park, Florida where his first act as homeowner was to plant trees for the future. Many of those trees still shelter the corner lot at Shirewood Ct. and unveiled a pattern of him acting in the moment to provide a better future. At current, the yard has more than four dozen species of flora providing home to countless small birds and animals.
In 1986, Dan took his planting to a new level with the birth of his first child, his son Kyle. Dan remained close to his son participating directly in his development as youth soccer coach and cheering on the creation of his Architectural Design company, Category Architecture, whose business card still remains on the refrigerator. Dan, the father, will be greatly missed as his son’s path continues to grow.
Luck struck again in 1991 when he welcomed his second child into his journey; his daughter Janelle. Dan remained close to his daughter and was a stable reinforcement in all of her endeavors, including the care for a horse. He was always helping out every opportunity he could without hesitation. As she began a career at Walt Disney World, he maintained a constant positive character gaining an appreciation for the joy of participating as a guest at the parks that have come to define Orlando, his created home town. Dan, as dad, will be greatly missed by his daughter as she continues to grow.
“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.” ~ Jamie Lyn Beatty
With his graduate degree in Psychology, Dan began work at his first professional job with Navair, Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division. Although his children may say that he was a secret agent, his work helped fulfill the training needs for complex projects with the Navy. This work not only provided income, the career allowed him the possibility to travel the nation and the world. This travel further fed his need for new experiences.
Back at home, Dan found adventure with close friends and meet-up groups for experiences outdoors. His love for the great outdoors took him out on the water in his kayak and on beautiful lush trails in Florida and beyond, mainly with friends. Energetic until the last day, Dan was an avid casual bike-rider, kayaker, hiker, and camper. His love for the great outdoors lives on in those who are close to him and in his son.
If working until age-68 was not enough, Dan quickly began volunteering to discover new passions. Dan worked as a volunteer for years at the Dr. Philips Performing Arts Center, where he stoked a fondness for theater and the performing arts. To this day, I believe his greatest joy was his ability to share these experiences with others using complimentary tickets for friends and family to enjoy the shows. Dan and Janelle shared a mutual love of theater. He shared his excitement for the performing arts by finding opportunities to see performances with his daughter.
“What is the most rigorous law of being? Growth.” ~ Mark Twain
Dan’s legacy will live on in his appreciation for the natural world, his understanding of the importance of a healthy social life, and his love of spending time with the great people he surrounded himself with. Day after day, from this moment on, he would want us to remember the countless great moments we were all lucky enough to share with him. He will be forever missed and always remembered as the great person he grew to be, every day of his life
To share your memories of Daniel or to leave a special condolence message for his family, please share in the guestbook below.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Newcomer Funeral Home, Winter Park
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