David G. Shappirio

SHAPPIRIO,
PROF. DAVID GORDON

Prof. David Gordon Shappirio died on Sunday, July 27, 2014, passing away peacefully after fighting several health issues over the last few years. David was born on June 18, 1930 in Washington, DC to Rebecca and Solomon Shappirio and was the older brother to Joel. Growing up he showed an interest in the natural world, in particular insects, an interest which led him into the sciences. He went to the University of Michigan, graduating in 1951 with a B.S. in Chemistry. It is also where he met Elvera Bamber, whom he married on July 8, 1953. After receiving his Ph.D. in Biology in 1955 from Harvard University, David accepted two post-doctoral positions in Europe, in 1955 at Cambridge University, Cambridge, England, and in 1956 at The University of Leuven in Belgium. David then returned to the States and the University of Michigan, where in 1957, he began a long and distinguished career in biological sciences which spanned over 40 years. During this time he taught, carried out research using metamorphosing insects as experimental models for studying cellular and molecular events in insect development. From 1976-83, Professor Shappirio served as associate chair for instruction and curriculum in the Division of Biological Sciences, and from 1983-91, he served as director of the Honors Program in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He assisted several graduate students in receiving their degrees and mentored more than two dozen undergraduates' research projects. He was a popular teacher and mentor and would often have former students greet him while traveling. His exceptional teaching skills were recognized by his appointment as an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in 1989, which was extended in 1992. He has also received an award from the AMOCO Foundation for distinguished undergraduate teaching and another from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts for excellence in education. After retiring in 1999, he remained active in several scholarship and grant programs until ill health forced him to stop. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joel. He is survived by his wife, Elvera; daughter, Susan; son-in-law, Danny; son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Jennifer and four grandchildren, Nicole, Megan, Erin and Adam. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be made to The Legacy Land Conservancy, 1100 N .Main St. #203, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104 or The Alzheimer's Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 564 S. Main St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104. A celebration of David's life will be held on August 31, 2014 at 3 PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Rev. Mark Evens will officiate. Note: Ann Arbor-Saline Road may be closed for repairs at the I-94 Bridge. Please visit David's tribute page at www.niefuneralhomes.com