John A. Shepard, 50, of Groton, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York.

Born on November 28, 1975, in Cortland, NY, John was the son of Loyd and Kathy Standish Shepard. A proud 1995 graduate of Cincinnatus Central School, he dedicated himself to both his craft and his family with unwavering commitment and love.

John worked as a skilled painter for KSP Painting in Syracuse, NY, where his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to his trade were well regarded by colleagues and clients alike. Beyond his profession, John was a talented carpenter, crafting with precision and care, a reflection of his patient and creative spirit.

A longtime enthusiast of the Green Bay Packers, John’s passion for the sport was well known among his family and friends. His hobbies extended into the natural world where he took joy in collecting rocks, transforming these simple treasures into remarkable creations, an art he pursued with great delight. His love for the outdoors also included hunting, a pursuit that further connected him to nature and tradition.

Above all, John’s greatest joy came from coaching his children in soccer. His guidance was not merely about sport but about instilling values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. This role added a profound dimension to his life, as he nurtured the talents and spirits of his children.

John is survived by his beloved family, including his children, Darien McEwen of Montana and Dawson Shepard of Marathon; his father Loyd Shepard of Groton; his siblings Jody Shepard of Marathon, Timothy (Patti) Shepard of Cortland, Nicole (Louis) Thompson of Groton, Timothy Shepard of Cortland, Samantha (Michael) Williams of Portugal, and Kimberly (Lewis) Ramos of El Paso, TX; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his mother, John was predeceased by two nephews, Louie Ramos and Steven Larkin.

The family will honor John’s memory with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Willet Ball Park, Willet, NY. This gathering will provide an opportunity for friends and loved ones to commemorate a life well lived and to share stories of a man who enriched the lives of those around him. Expressions of sympathy in memory of John may be directed to the Bradford Recovery Center, 64 School Street, Millerton, PA 16936.