Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Stephen M. Shepardson, affectionately known as “Steve,” age 77, a longtime resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, at the E.N. Nourse Rogers Veterans Hospital in Bedford, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on April 7, 1949, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Steve moved to Massachusetts as a young boy and settled in Wilmington and Belmont, where he was raised and educated.
Steve proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, enlisting in April 1966 during the Vietnam War. He served two tours overseas, attaining the rank of Lance Corporal during his first tour, where he served as a weapons man. In recognition of his bravery and service, Steve received several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.
He was honorably discharged from active duty in May 1969 and continued his service in the Marine Reserves until May 1972. In September 1975, Steve was reactivated and served as an Anti-Tank Assaultman with Command 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. During this period, he earned an additional Good Conduct Medal and a Rifle Marksmanship Badge and achieved the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged in September 1977 and returned home to his family.
Following his military service, Steve worked for many years in the construction industry, where he formed many lifelong friendships through his strong work ethic and loyal nature.
Above all else, Steve adored his family. He shared a special bond with his daughter and took great joy in being a Grandpa. He was known for his tremendous sense of humor, his larger-than-life personality, and his ability to make people laugh. Fiercely loyal and deeply protective of those he loved, Steve was a devoted family man and a steadfast friend.
Steve was also an avid Boston sports fan, and he took great pleasure in watching his favorite teams win championships over the years. Though he could have a rough exterior, those who knew him best understood that he had a heart of gold. He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a proud American, and an extraordinary Marine who lived by the motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
Steve is survived by his children, Dorrie Grosso and her husband, Samuel, and Stephen Shepardson and his wife, Ulrika; and by his grandchildren, Sydney, Madelyn, Henrik, Benjamin, and Emily. He is also survived by many dear friends.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Graveside Service with Military Honors in the Veterans Section of Wildwood Cemetery, 233 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 19th, at 12:00 noon.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, Massachusetts. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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