Paul W. Shapter

Paul W. Shapter, 71, of Worcester and Plymouth NH, a man of integrity and a great sense of humor who valued all he met, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 6th in the arms of his devoted wife, Connie.

Paul was born in Philadelphia, PA, on May 26th 1937. He grew up in Wayland, graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Paul moved to the Worcester area over 25 years ago where he met his cherished wife of 22 years, Attorney Constance A. (Gentile) Morrison.

Over his employed years, Paul worked more than 15 years for the Worcester Housing Authority as Chief Financial Officer before retiring. During his time as CFO, Paul was honored by the residents of Great Brook Valley for his individual work with them for the financial betterment of their lives. He then worked for U.S. Government Agency's; Homeland Security, FEMA, and DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Team). Paul and Connie also volunteered their time with the American Red Cross, traveling to disaster areas around the world. He was the administrator for Morrison International Educational Associates, arranging for lectures on Health Care, Law and Ethics around the world.

Paul was active with his wife for the Massachusetts Veterans Shelter in Worcester. In the early days of the Shelter, Paul worked tirelessly helping and advising veterans with their yearly and past tax matters. At onetime, Paul performed work in South Africa; teaching for the Mandela Government after Mandela was released from detention.

Several years ago, Paul was appointed by then Worcester Juvenile Court Judge Luis Perez, to be a baby cuddler for children who had failure to thrive at Memorial Hospital.

Paul's famous statements were; "ALWAYS leave a place better than when you found it" and "Polite and civil behavior cost nothing to exhibit it at all times."

He is survived by his devoted and cherished wife of 22 years, Dr. Constance A. (Gentile) Morrison, Esq.; his three children: Kevin Shapter of Marshfield, Tracy Fisher of McDonough Georgia, and Laura Denman of Puyallup, Washington; a sister, Katherine Shapter of Auburn; six grandchildren; several cousins, including his devoted and caring cousin, Richard P. Williams.

Paul was an extraordinary man who touched many lives across the continents. Paul was honored several times by Governors across the country including, Guam and New Hampshire for his work during disasters. He was an avid reader and was writing a historical novel going back 40 thousand years ago and taking the reader through the mysteries of the 24 century.

He was active in the Loon Society of NH, an organization involved in the protection and counting of these Majestic Ancient Birds. He was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Worcester Lodge 168, Order Sons of Italy, and the Rotary Clubs of Worcester and Plymouth. Paul was appointed by the City Council in the early nineties as a Director of the Worcester Public Library for 9 years, during his tenure the newly remodeled library came to be. Paul was a Class 2 canoeist. He loved hiking the beloved White Mountains, skiing, snowshoeing and golfing. Paul also loved the National Park System and traveled to many across the Country with his wonderful children. The last one he and his wife, Connie traveled to was the Joshua Tree National Park in 29 Palms, CA where he spent winters. He loved playing Gin Rummy with his father-in-law, Larry Gentile, whom he considered one of his best friends. Paul and Larry would play for hours at home, while on vacation, and at Paul and Connie's home in the White Mountains. The grill would be on and so would the marathon card games.

Funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours; Memorial contributions may be made to the Massachusetts Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. is honored to assist the family with arrangements. This extraordinary man was loved by many and will be sadly missed.