Paul E. Shephard – (84) – of 12 Cameron Ave., Hornell, died Saturday morning (October 29, 2016) at Elderwood of Hornell following a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He died on his & his wife, Connie’s 61st wedding anniversary.

Born in Geneva, NY, on June 17, 1932, he was the son of Edward & Nita (Warne) Shephard.

Paul was a graduate of Geneva High School (class of 1950) and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Buffalo. He was employed as a pharmacist at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo for about a year.

On October 29, 1955 Paul married his best friend, Connie Lee and in 1956 they moved to Hornell.

He was hired by St. James Mercy hospital in 1956 as their 1st full time pharmacist. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and later served as vice-president of St. James. In 1990, he was named the
1st male president and CEO of St. James Mercy Health System, retiring in 1999. He is remembered as someone who cared deeply about St. James Mercy – the people, not the building.

Paul was a 4th Degree member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus, member of the Hornell Rotary (where he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award), and a member of the 911 Technology Task Force for Steuben County. He was a member of the Hornell Leadership Team for Appalachian Community Learning Project, co-founder of the Canisteo Valley Committee, and a member of the St. Ann’s Parish Council. He served as Eucharistic Minister & lector at St. Ann’s Church, was director & vice-president of the Hornell YMCA Board, and served as a member of the Hornell American Red Cross Board. He also served as chairman of the Hornell United Way Campaign. Paul was honored to serve as the Hornell Police & Hornell Fire Commissioner in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

In 2002, Paul made a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and became a Mercy Associate. He was a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers and also Steuben County Rural Ministry.

Paul was a volunteer for the LPGA Corning Classic for 23 years and was involved with his children’s youth activities, having coached Biddy Basketball at the Hornell YMCA for 15 years, coached Grasshopper Baseball for many years and having served on the board of directors of Hornell Little League. He was a member of the Twin Hickory Golf Club, enjoyed bowling and dancing. He was an avid supporter and season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills. Paul was a devoted husband, father & grandfather who enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family.

His professional memberships include American College of Healthcare Executives; Rochester Regional Healthcare Association; NYS Catholic Conference; NYS Catholic Healthcare Council; National Rural Health Association; Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency; American Society Hospital Pharmacists; several councils of Eastern Mercy Health System and chairman of Joint Educational Training Management Committee.

Paul was preceded in death by his grandson, Clay W. shepherd who died in 2015.

Surviving are his wife, Connie; 5 sons, Paul (Laura) Shephard, JR of Hornell, Daniel (Melissa) Shephard of Apex, NC, Robert Shephard of Beverly, MA, Stephen (Deborah) Shephard of Rexford, NY and Joseph (Lisa) Shephard of Andover, NY; 3 daughters, Pamela (Anthony) Daniels of Henrietta, NY, Mary (Dan) Eason of Alfred and Anne (David) Robinson of Arkport, NY; Virginia Shephard of Almond; 1 sister, Eleanor Meath of Newark, NY; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces & Nephews.

The family of Paul E. Shephard will receive friends on Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with final interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Paul’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Rd., Rochester, NY 14620 or the Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.