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Mel Shapiro, prominent businessman, dedicated and much loved family man, and cherished friend to many in Las Vegas, passed away peacefully Monday, Aug. 26, 2013. Mel Shapiro was born April 26, 1930, in New York City. Growing up in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, N.Y., Mel spent much of his youth on the beach during the summers and later in the Catskills, perfecting his stand-up comedy. In 1947, at 17 years old, Mel won the coveted Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts Award, propelling him to tour the country's comedy clubs. Mel then enlisted into the U.S. Army and became a part of the famous USO shows, doing TV and live shows for the troops during the Korean War. After the war, Mel and his brother, Phillip Shapiro, decided to move west to build a business for their new families. After much searching they settled on buying then a small single dry cleaners that was for sale in Las Vegas, called Al Phillips The Cleaner. In 1964, Mel and Phil moved their families to Las Vegas and started building their wonderful life. Over the next 36 years, Mel and Phil developed the company Al Phillips The Cleaner into a dry cleaning legend, creating the first "car hop drive-thru" that then became the busiest cleaners in the world, servicing 75 percent of the Las Vegas community, with numerous locations throughout the city. Mel became a local celebrity for his TV commercials and the catch phrase "How do we do it all?" The commercials featured him and Phil (often with their pants off) and various Las Vegas celebrities. Mel was passionate about golf and a longtime member of the Las Vegas Country Club. He loved traveling, good food, adored his family and was lucky to have found the love of his life, his wife, Florence. Mel was faced with the challenges of Parkinson's later in life, yet faced each day with strength, courage and humor. He lived by the saying, "it's a great life if you have the courage to live it." And, for 83 years, he did just that and has left the world a much better place. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Abraham and Ethel Shapiro; and his two brothers, Milton and Phillip Shapiro. He is survived by his beloved wife, Florence; three children, David Shapiro, Barbara Owens and Daniel Shapiro; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Holt; his dearest sister, Florence "Flo Biz" Sokoloff; his grandchildren, Molly and Oliver Owens; his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Tricia Leibovici; his many nieces and nephews, Janis and Ernie Salarno, Steve and Holly Yudelson, Susan Christenson, Lorrie, Robert and April Shapiro; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Randy, Ben, Jennifer, Sabrina, Alexis, David, Jonathan, Tessa, Katie, Michael, Michelle and Sean. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at King David Memorial Chapel. 2697 E. Eldorado Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89120. Burial will follow at Palm Valley View Memorial Park, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Please keep his memory alive by giving a donation to the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas made payable to "Keep Memory Alive" and note, "in memory of Mel Shapiro." King David Memorial Chapel coordinated the arrangements.
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I just moved back to Las Vegas and am now only hearing of Mel's passing. I am grateful to have spent some time with Mel assisting him with his computer and talking to him about technology that he said he so enjoyed. What a wonderful man. It was a true pleasure having known Mel. Florence I am deeply sorry for your loss
Greg
June 3, 2014
I just found about your loss. Mel was a special man and I am so sorry for your loss. We send you our condolences
Susie & Rob Reinish
January 7, 2014
Florence, and family - I was so saddened to hear about Mel's passing, I know that the challenges of this disease are so difficult and the only consolation is that Mel is at peace and going to every good movie and telling every great joke up in Heaven. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Fran Fine
September 2, 2013
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comfort by the love and support of family and friends. Prov. 17:17
With Deep Sympathy
September 2, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Florence. He was truly larger than life.
Rosemary Abramson-Lee
September 1, 2013
Mel was a fabulous man and a true gentleman. I was honored to have known him though his business, his involvement in the Las Vegas Country Club, in the Las Vegas community, through real estate and through his amaing wife, Florence Shapiro. RIP, Mel.
Gina Silvagni Perry
August 30, 2013
Rest in peace Mel. Florence know that the Power and Presence are with you in your time of loss.
Shirley Rappaport
August 28, 2013
Mel was always generous, kind, and more than anything funny. He would make me laugh daily when I worked for him. Mel (with his brother Phil) had confidence in me where no one else could see potential and gave me that all important chance. I will be forever grateful to him and will miss his happy face. Rest in peace, Mel.
Beverly Chandler
August 28, 2013
Mel was larger than life--he lived life to the fullest and we were blessed to have shared so many years with him. Rest in peace dear friend and may your loved ones find peace. You will be missed but always with us.
Neil and Sylvia Beller
August 27, 2013
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