Master Mariner, Captain, and Commander Edward Paul Shepherd USR, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025.

Born on November 4, 1942, Edward was the son of the late Joseph Neil Shepherd and Josephine Rutkauskas Shepherd. He grew up in Swampscott, MA and graduated from Swampscott High School in 1960, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Science from Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in Castine, Maine. As a member of MMA’s “First Four” Class of 1964, he graduated with Third Mate status and soon after became an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Edward and his late twin brother, Dr. David N. Shepherd, developed a lifelong love of the ocean from a young age. The town of Swampscott was perfect for their aspirations, as it was the town that invented the Swampscott Dory— a fishing boat designed to row and pull lobster pots. Together, they became Eagle Scouts and achieved the prestigious Quartermaster Award, the highest rank in Sea Scouts. Their passion for sailing led them to purchase their first boat a Dory, the Sea Breeze, a pastime that continued to shape their lives and adventures. Ed and David sailed into their adult lives—Dave went on to study and teach naval history, while Ed spent over decades navigating the sea. The Shepherd twins shared their passions for the sea and its history, heavily defining both of their lives and those in them.

Capt. Ed’s distinguished maritime career spanned 40 years. In his years at sea, he navigated the globe aboard over 40 ships visiting over 1,000 ports. Ed rose quickly through the ranks, jumping from Third Mate to Captain and Ensign to Commander in The U.S. Naval Reserve. Ed spent nearly half of his career transporting ammunition to the U.S. Armed Forces worldwide, including Vietnam, Somalia, Persian Gulf, and during Desert Storm. He was decorated 15 times, earning honors such as the Vietnam Service Medal and the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal.

Early in Ed’s career at sea, he served on the unique S.S. American Racer and was famously photographed at the helm in a 1964 Associated Press news wire story that was circulated across the country. Capt. Ed’s final voyage and command was upon the S.S. Green Harbor, which at the time was the largest ammunition cargo ship in the world (893 ft) an immense responsibility as it was the most explosive force on earth in motion.

After retiring in 2001, Capt. Ed settled by the sea and found great pleasure in model ship building and harbored a deep affection for dogs. He enjoyed occasional yachting excursions with his late brother Dave, friends and family. He cared deeply in his own way for his daughters and was eternally grateful they were near. The greatest treasure that Capt. Ed shared with others, was his endless collection of sea stories of his travels from around the globe.

Capt. Ed is survived by his two daughters, Lucy Shepherd of Swampscott, and Holly Shepherd of Beverly, as well as his two brothers: Glenn Joseph and wife Jeanne of Hamilton, MA, their daughter Erin (Shepherd) Finelli, husband Adam Finelli, their children Claire Finelli, Kyle Finelli and Emma Finelli, and Steven Scott Shepherd, wife Kathy of Summerville, SC. He is also survived by his late brother’s son Blake Nelson Shepherd, wife Carol, and their daughter Elizabeth Shepherd of Staunton, VA.

Burial at sea and memorial service will be private.

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