Isidore Shapiro, 101, died Dec. 27, 2020.
Izzy was born in 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and moved with his family to New York City a few years later.
Izzy dedicated his professional life to helping others: working first as a probation officer, then as a social worker and the director of a child guidance clinic in Hewlett, New York. He later was chosen as the commissioner of mental health for Nassau County. He was an intellectual and encouraged his family to explore their connections to Judaism, Zionism, and socialism, as well as how to create more equality in America. He encouraged their continued introspection when it came to religious identity, resulting in his children and grandchildren having a strong and positive connection to Jewish history, Jewish survival in the face of generations of adversity, and Jewish identity.
Izzy inspired all who met him to deepen their impact on society and leave the world a better place than they found it, which is a core tenet of Judaism.
Izzy was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie.
Survivors include his children, David (Tina Brier) Shapiro of Moraga, California, and Eve (Paul Gordon) Shapiro of Tucson; grandchildren Rachel Shapiro, Ruthie Shapiro, Ben (Kristen SaBerre) Gordon, and Miriam (Chase Craig) Gordon; and great-granddaughter, Dahlia Golde Craig.
A Zoom commemoration for family and friends will be held soon.
