J. Stephen Sheppard

J. Stephen Sheppard passed away on Friday, June 26th, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Sharon, PA, he spent the majority of his life in New York City, working as a literary agent, film producer, briefly a cab driver, and finally as an entertainment lawyer as a Founding Partner of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams, and Sheppard. He was a true lifelong advocate for artists and the arts. He spent his last few years in Reno, Nevada, but always considered himself a true New Yorker, and loved being in the world of ideas, just as much as he loved his family. He sadly lost his late wife Heidi too soon. He is survived by his brother Bob and sister-in-law Bonnie, his three children Julian and his wife Nana, Will and his wife Kate, and Emma and her partner, Andrew, and three beloved grandchildren, Isabelle, James, and Leo – with two more grandchildren on the way. Steve Sheppard will be sorely missed by them and his extensive community, which included longtime colleagues, friends, and most everyone he met. He was, as he was always fond of saying, a very lucky boy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Stand Up to Cancer.

Family and friends are invited to Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, Inc. 575 Columbus Avenue - Thornwood, New York 10594 on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM for visitation and funeral services.  Steve will be laid to rest alongside his wife Heidi in their family plot at The Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla following the services at Pleasant Manor. 

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