Shedd, Robert, Dr.

 

Dr. Robert Shedd

Local Physician, Mayor, County Commissioner

1924-2007

 

Dr. Robert Shedd, referred to as “Mr. Punta Gorda,” arrived in the city in 1953 with wife Gerry when there were only two other doctors in the town.   He opened a medical practice at a time when doctors still made house calls, making late-night trip to the outskirts of Punta Gorda for $5.  Rejecting segregation in his practice, he treated all patients who sought his care.  

Shedd served as chief of staff for Charlotte Regional Medical Center (now Bayfront Hospital in Punta Gorda) in its early years and delivered over 1,000 babies at the hospital.  He was director of the Life Care Center from 1987 until 2002 and was the physician for Southport and other area assisted-living facilities. 

Shedd also had an active political life.  In 1972, he became a member of the Charlotte County Commission holding that position for 10 years, four of those as Chair of the Commission.   Later in 1998, Shedd joined the City Council, serving four years as Mayor of Punta Gorda.

Shedd also co-founded the Cooper Street Recreation Center and was  instrumental in the development of the county’s Head Start program.  He was a Punta Gorda Rotarian and a member of the Conquistadors.  

Born in Texas in 1924, he spent his formative years in Lockport, New York.   He completed his pre-med studies at Princeton University and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  Shedd served in the Marine Corps as a surgeon during the Korean War.  He and his wife were married for 60 years and had three children: a son, Randy, and daughters Malry Branccaccio and Wendy Shedd.