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William K. Schapiro, President and CEO of Whitehouse & Schapiro, LLC, passed away on August 13, 2019 at the age of 68. Born and raised in Baltimore, MD to the late Alan and Bernice Schapiro, William grew up in the Sugarville neighborhood and attended the Park School, where he was a part of the championship basketball team of 1969. He attended Duke University for his undergraduate degree, then the University of Maryland Law School before joining the family's textile recycling business, S. Schapiro & Sons in 1976. William followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and uncle, learning the business from the ground up, often travelling to mills in the early part of his career, focusing on supply development.
In the early 1990's, Mr. Schapiro ventured out and created, with partner Leonard Whitehouse, Whitehouse & Schapiro, LLC, carrying on the family's longstanding tradition as one of the largest recycled clothing and textile companies in the industry. William worked hard to expand the business, and through his international travels developed relationships all over the world. He served as President of the industry's trade association Secondary Materials and Recycled Textile Association (SMART), as well as on the board of the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) for the U.S. Department of Commerce. William was a strong advocate for the industry, and many suppliers and customers relied on him for his expert knowledge, support and leadership. William had a strong sense of integrity and an impeccable reputation, he treated clients like family, and graciously mentored and took care of others.
In 2008, a friend introduced William to Ivona Skirtun at Linwoods, and the two were married in 2017. William and Ivona enjoyed spectacular trips to Israel and going on their longstanding dates to Linwoods every Saturday evening, sitting at their same table every time. He enjoyed their quiet time together at home, reading the newspaper, exercising and eating healthy. During the winters, he and Ivona loved to visit their home in Tuscon, Arizona, walking and enjoying the scenery.
In his spare time, William enjoyed watching the Baltimore Ravens, had been an avid tennis player for many years, and liked to hit golf balls at the Woodholme Country Club, where he was a member. He loved languages, speaking Spanish and French, and was always trying to hone his skills. He treasured spending time with family and kept rooms for both his niece and nephew to come home to when they were in town, and was a devoted and supportive son-in-law and brother, always making sure that Ivona's mother and siblings were cared for. He was a major supporter of the Associated, Park School, and Beth El Congregation, where he started the Schapiro Yerushaliam Program to assist learning disabled children to be bar and bat mitzvahed. He also served on the board of the Schapiro Training Employee Program (STEP) and People Helping People (PEP).
Mr. Schapiro will be remembered for his spectacular sense of humor, creativity, and integrity. He was an inspiring leader and amazing speaker who was full of ideas and loved to solve problems. He helped others without a second thought and always did the right thing.
Mr. Schapiro will be missed greatly by his family, coworkers, clients and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Ivona Schapiro, siblings, Janet (Darryl) London and Robert Schapiro, nephew and niece, Brian Schapiro (Cyprienne) London, and Rachael Beth London, and great-nephew, August London. Mr. Schapiro is predeceased by his parents Alan and Bernice Schapiro.
Services at SOL LEVINSON & BROS., INC., 8900 Reisterstown Road, at Mount Wilson Lane on Friday, August 16, at 12:30 pm. Interment Har Sinai Cemetery - Garrison Forest Road. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Schapiro Yerushalayim Program Fund, c/o Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Ave, Pikesville, MD 21208. In mourning at Woodholme Country Club, 300 Woodholme Ave, Baltimore, MD 21208, on Friday following interment until 5 pm. The family will be attending evening services at Beth El Congregation at 6 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
5 Entries
It was with great sorrow and shock that I learned of Bill's passing during a recent trip. Over the years Bill and I had done business together and exchanged views on the state of politics and business. I will miss his comments and insights.
My condolences go out to his entire family.
Eric Warshaw
ErexCorp, Inc.
August 20, 2019
Linwood and I, and the entire Linwoods restaurant family send the Schapiro family our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with you.
Ellen and LInwood Dame
August 16, 2019
Nawzad Amin
August 15, 2019
Feeling only disbelief at this news. It is hard to believe... he was a good friend of more than 30 years.
August 15, 2019
my friend. The world has less of a spark.
LISA MILLER
August 15, 2019
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16
Funeral services provided by:
Sol Levinson & Bros - Pikesville8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
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