LESTER J. SHAPIRO

 
LESTER J. SHAPIRO (Age 72)  
Longtime Washington, DC resident Lester J. Shapiro died February 11, 2015 at his home in Annandale, VA. He was born August 26, 1942 in New York City, the son of Clarence and Adele Shapiro. Les' life was unexpectedly cut short, but he leaves a lasting imprint on those closest to him. He was a committed father, a civil servant, and had a thirst for knowledge and adventure that led him down many paths. Les completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from New York University in 1964. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Garrison Fort Lewis/ Headquarters and received an honorable discharge in 1966. Les became a certified public accountant in New York State in 1971, and subsequently moved to Washington D.C. to continue his civil service at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He held various positions in a 25-year career with the SEC, and retired as a Chief Accountant in the Division of Market Regulation. Les' efforts were instrumental in resolving many complex accounting and financial issues, including the type of financial statements that should be submitted by broker-dealers concerning their holding company systems; and the types of financial information to be furnished by insurance company affiliates.Les was an avid sailor with more than 30 years of sailing experience in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. He completed several marathons and enjoyed horseback-riding, hiking, biking, and swimming. Les' most recent passion was art - with dedication to painting, metal work, and pottery. Les was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his son Gregory; two grandchildren Arden and John; his sister Nancy; Theresa Ann Reynolds, whom he was married to from 1969 to 1980; and his companion of 25 years, Esmeralda O. Rodriguez.An inurnment service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in the Columbarium in the late Spring/early Summer of 2015. A gathering of family and friends will take place afterward to enjoy Les' artwork.