Ira Shapiro

Ira Shapiro always said, "After I'm gone. When you think of me, smile". A simple request, from a most extraordinary man. If you were lucky enough to know him, you'd call him family, and you're smiling right now (through your tears). His devotion to family, inimitable. He was always a strong hand to hold, a soft shoulder to cry on and a punchline to leave us in stitches. He loved his wife, his sister, his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren more than life itself. And no one we've ever known had such a drive to live, no matter how difficult the path became, just to stay by our side. And care for us all. He will be missed every day. But, when you think of Ira Shapiro... just smile.