May 5, 1932–January 15, 2021
Stockbridge, Mass. & Stamford, Conn. — We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stanley Z. Shapiro, on January 15, 2021, at the tender age of 88. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and a true friend to so many. You couldn’t help but love the guy. He was interested in just about everyone he ever met, and proved equally interesting to them.
A lover of classical music and the Berkshires, he proudly ushered at Tanglewood for over 40 years. A child at heart and an avid animal lover (just ask any of the six dogs he loved and nurtured over the last 56 years), he served as a dedicated docent at the Bronx Zoo for decades. But his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Roberta for 59 years. He was the best dad in the world to Randy (Dan Ripp) and David (Meg Lord). And, boy, did he love his grandsons, Theo and Wesley Shapiro, and Harry and Joey Ripp. Having taught them all backgammon, poker, hearts, and blackjack, he was looking forward, someday, to a boys’ trip to Vegas.
Stan lived life with gusto and tremendous energy. He tried parasailing when he was in his eighties and eagerly traveled the world with Roberta. He was always his own boss, even when working as a financial advisor at large brokerage firms. He believed in service and regaled his wide-eyed children with his exploits from his time in Korea. He knew every line to “The Godfather” (Parts 1 and 2), “Goodfellas,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” And he told really, really good jokes.
He will be buried in his beloved Stockbridge, with his family in attendance, just as they were when he took his last breath. He was one of a kind and will be very much missed.
Anyone wishing to honor this extraordinary man may make a donation to Tanglewood or the Bronx Zoo c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family, please visit www.finnertyandstevens.com
