John Clifford Sheppard

John Clifford Sheppard, 84, of South Attleboro, peacefully passed away on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Mount St. Rita Health Care Centre in Cumberland, RI. He was the beloved husband of Joyce C. (Crane) Sheppard. Born on July 2, 1931 in Malden, MA, he was the son of the late John Charles Sheppard and the late Jessie May (Foote) Sheppard. A resident of South Attleboro since 1998, he previously lived in Haverhill, MA. John was a graduate of Winchester High School and attended trade school in preparation for his work as a Linotype Operator and Graphic Designer. He worked for more than thirty years for the Salem News before retiring in 1996, having previously worked for the Lowell Sun and the Riverside Press. John proudly and honorably served our country in the United States Marine Corps.He was an active member of the First Congregational "Oldtown" Church in North Attleboro, MA, where, among other activities, for many years he participated in the Oldtown Choir and played the hand bells. Music always played an important part of John's life. He delighted in the sound of the Big Bands, particularly Benny Goodman, played the clarinet as a younger man, and performed in a number of bands during his lifetime, as well as the Southeastern Massachusetts Wind Symphony. He proudly performed with his wife and daughters, and for years gladly drove his daughters to piano and voice lessons no matter where they were. He was a kind and giving man, and donated his time as a Volunteer at the Attleboro Senior Center, the Meals on Wheels program, and on voting initiatives. He enjoyed work as a Wedding Photographer. Of all his accomplishments, John was most proud of his loving family, and savored time spent with them. In addition to his wife, Joyce, he was the cherished father of Suzanne G. Sheppard of South Attleboro, MA; Lisa J. (Sheppard) Hadley and her husband, Bruce R. Hadley, of Easton, MA; and John C. Sheppard and his wife, Melanie (Averette) Sheppard, of Claremont, NH. He was the treasured grandfather of Elizabeth J. Hadley, Eliziah Marie Sheppard, Bruce J. Hadley, Donna J. Sheppard, and Kaylee A. Sheppard. John was the half- brother of the late Mildred Scott.Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a Visitation on Thursday, May 19, 2016 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right, ¾ mile on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Funeral Service on Friday, May 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational "Oldtown" Church, 675 Old Post Road, North Attleboro, with the Rev. Kelly K. Thibeault, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Haverhill, MA.A Children's Room is available during visitation.Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such complimentary transportation. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guestbook at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.