Harold Joseph Sheprow

Harold Joseph Sheprow, a long-term resident of the Village of Port Jefferson, passed away peacefully at the Long Island State Veteran’s Home, surrounded by his loved ones, on May 1, 2025, at the age of 95. Harold created a lasting legacy in Port Jefferson through his deep commitment to his family and the community.

Harold (Hal, Shep, or Lefty, depending on when you met him) was born December 25, 1929, In Queens, NY, to Harold Sheprow and Gladys Petrie. He married Margaret Mary Katherine Kerr (Peggy) on February 9, 1957, and they built their lives together on a strong foundation of love, laughter, and respect.

Hal traveled the world as a very young man after joining the Merchant Marines, becoming Chief Engineer of his ship at 18. Upon his return he went to work for RCA where he first met Peggy. Things were progressing in their relationship when Hal was drafted in April 1954 to serve in the Army infantry, artillery division, during the Korean War. Hal served his country proudly and received the good conduct medal and the National Defense Service medal. He was honorably discharged in 1956 and returned to RCA, and his pursuit of Peggy. They were subsequently married in 1957.

Hal earned his engineering degree at Newark School of Engineering by going to school at night. Upon graduation, he was offered a job at Grumman Corporation, and Hal and Peggy moved to Port Jefferson Village in 1961, where he and his family (three children, with another on the way) were welcomed warmly into the community. He was an Aerospace Engineer at Grumman, worked on the development of the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM), and oversaw flight test for the F14 Tomcat (think Top Gun) until his retirement in 1990, upon which he devoted all his energies to the village.

Hal’s long-standing involvement in village politics and community activities began with a question about why a village with almost two miles of beachfront property had no public beach for families to enjoy. He first attended a village meeting to ask about the village’s intent to provide beach access for residents and was soon invited to join the Planning Board. Ultimately his interest culminated in the acquisition of East Beach and, as mayor, the further acquisition of the 170-acre Port Jefferson Country Club. Post-Planning Board, Hal became a Trustee and then served as Mayor for a total of 12 years, during which he made other significant contributions to the village's development and governance. Hal’s service to the community extended to a long tenure with Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance, serving as President as the organization grew.

Hal has been described as ‘tough yet fair,’ and always listened respectfully to the opinions of others – and could be convinced to change his mind with a reasonable and well-thought out discussion (or the occasional argument). His tenure as mayor of Port Jefferson was marked by several significant accomplishments that underscored his mantra of family inclusion and bringing community together. Of those accomplishments, there were two of which he was particularly proud:

Port Jefferson Country Club: Hal worked tirelessly for almost a decade to achieve his vision of providing residents with a private property they could call their own. In 2017 the Mayor and Board of Trustees approved a referendum to rename the village land that encompasses The Port Jefferson Country Club and the East and West Beaches as the Harold J. Sheprow Parkland to honor this accomplishment. There is a commemorative plaque on the entrance to the golf course that relates the story of the acquisition.

Annexation of the East Side of the Village

One of Hal’s hardest fought, yet most gratifying, efforts was to annex a community directly aligned with the village, full of people whose children attended Port Jeff schools, played Port Jeff sports, and were friends with Port Jeff residents who were not granted the full privilege of residency. It took three separate attempts and a lot of public discourse to ultimately annex the neighborhoods east of Edgewood Avenue and west of Crystal Brook Hollow Road.

Hal is survived by Peggy, his wife of 68 years, children Madelyn, Dennis (Alicia), Lauren, Brendan (Wendy), Warren (Allyse), and Glenn (Donna), 14 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Gladys, best friend and brother, Ralph, brother Warren, and son Neil Harold.

Hal’s legacy is one of service, dedication, commitment, and love. He leaves behind a community that is stronger because of his efforts and a family that cherishes his memory. His contributions to Port Jefferson will be remembered for generations to come. Hal’s life was a testament to the power of community and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements:

• Visitation: May 6, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Moloney’s Port Jefferson Station Funeral Home, 523 NY-112, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
• Funeral Mass: May 7, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Chapel, 200 Belle Terre Rd., Port Jefferson, NY 11777
• Graveside Service: May 7, 2025, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, NY 11777 following the Mass

At Hal’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope House Ministries of Port Jefferson.