Benjamin Sheppard, Jr.

Peacefully on June 17, 2017, Benjamin (Bob) F. Sheppard, Jr.; beloved brother of Barbara (and her husband Milt) Greffen; loving son of the late Pauline and Benjamin Sheppard, Sr.; cherished uncle of Susan Greffen Smith, and Kirk Greffen; also survived by many loving grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Relatives and friends may visit at the Ambrose Funeral Home, Inc. 1328 Sulphur Spring Rd. Arbutus, on Wednesday from 4:00-8:00pm, and Thursday from 9:30-10:00am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Benedict's Catholic Church Thursday at 11:00am. Interment at Loudon Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to Ridgeway Manor Nursing Home 5743 Edmonson Ave. Baltimore, MD. 21228, or to Gilcrest Hospice 11311 McCormick Rd. Ste 350, Hunt Valley, MD. 21031.

Bob was a major supporter and contributor to Maryland's German community for over 42 years.  He worked tirelessly to promote German culture in Maryland.  He was instrumental in keeping communications between the German Embassy in DC and the Maryland German community flowing.  In 1984, Bob was honored with the Bundesverdienstkreuz 1.Klasse des Verdienstordens (German Medal of Honor) in recognition of his exceptional service to the German community.

Bob was involved in numerous Baltimore German clubs and served as an officer in several.  He served as a president for many years to the Deutschamerikanischer Burgerverein von Maryland, which is the umbrella organization of the German clubs in Maryland.  Upon his retirement from that position he was named President Emeritus.  Bob also served as a president to the Maryland Oktoberfest, Inc., a group that sponsored the Maryland Oktoberfest each year at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore.

During Bob's tenure as president of the Burgerverein, Germany military ships sailed into the Baltimore Harbor, participation in 'Operation Sail'.  With his guidance, the Maryland German Community stepped up and served as host families to Officers and Sailors participation in the event.  Bob also heeded the call of then Mayor William Donald Schaffer to hold Ethnic festivals in and around Baltimore.  Our German Festival was held each year at the Inner Harbor, then Carroll Park before moving to its current location in Timonium.  Bob paved the way for that festival and many involved in it today still see Bob as their mentor.

When Bob moved from his home, he contributed his collection of memorabilia to the Burgerverein, a collection that will be shared with festival attendees for years to come.  For all the years and all the festivals, for sharing your knowledge and expertise, and for your friendship, Bob, we thank you.