SHAPIRO, Ross Ross Shapiro of Athens, GA passed away on March 26, 2016. Ross was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Briarcliff High School and the University of Georgia. After college, he adopted Athens as his hometown and became a fixture, a town character, and a local legend. Ross had a keen wit and a dry sense of humor. His faux-curmudgeonly way was actually beloved by all who knew him. In college, he worked at Camp Barney Medintz on the arts and crafts staff. A generation of campers remembers Ross for "yelling" at them, but loved him just the same. The stories of Ross and camp have continued well into these campers' adulthood. Although he was a talented painter and sculptor, his real passion was for music. He worked at and ultimately owned Schoolkids Records in Athens. He was a self-trained musician who wrote music and was the lead singer for The Glands. The band was critically acclaimed and beloved in Athens music circles as well as in publications such as Rolling Stone and Spin Magazine. When the renowned Georgia Theatre reopened in Athens two year after a fire, the Glands were sought out as the opening act. Ross' picture hangs in the Georgia Theatre now with other legends of the Athens music scene. Ross is survived by his parents, Gerald and Rhoda Shapiro, his brother Maury (Staci), nephews Sammy, A.J., and Reid, and many relatives. He is also survived by his Athens family of friends who he has lived with, worked with, and played with for the past 30+ years. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 29th at noon at Magnolia Cemetery, Augusta, Georgia. Shiva will be Wednesday, March 30th at 6:30PM with services at 7PM at the Executive Parkview Townhouses clubhouse, 1700 Woodcliff Way, Atlanta, GA

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Mar. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ross Shapiro

Sponsored by anonymous.

60 Entries

Sarina Rousso

September 30, 2022

Dear Ross,
Thinking of you always and especially today!
Peace and Love

March 22, 2019

I recently purchased the box set of The Glands from Wuxtry's it sits on my counter still in the plastic shrink-wrap. Every day I say hey to Ross and his dog who grace the cover. That same day at the record shop, I found a copy of On the Threshold of a Dream by The Moody Blues, serendipitous because during the summer of 1981 (almost every day) we listened to a tape of that music that Ross had recorded and shared with the Arts and Crafts Staff at CBM. We all fell in love with him and his unique ways. His spirit is in the music and will be with us forever. I miss you Ross
Love,
Sarina

Craig McQuiston

March 21, 2019

Missing Ross every day. xo

Helena Cavendish de Moura

March 21, 2019

Love survives everything. May you rest in peace my friend.

Helena CAVENDISH de MOURA

March 25, 2018

" A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness," John Keats.

John Nickle

November 8, 2017

I have him in my thoughts. I miss him to this day. His drawing of the "eye" was me. What a talented individual.

Amanda Jane

March 26, 2017

Sending love

November 30, 2016

Ross your still missed and loved..Glad to listen to the Glands..I wish someone would release th erecord you were working on for years and the Double Thriller on vinyl...Love ya.
Sash

kjde

April 24, 2016

Brilliant, beautiful, irreplaceable. He was so loved by so many. Where would we all be without some Ross in our lives?

Ort. Carlton

April 8, 2016

Will miss Ross very, very much. He was a mighty good guy.

Michael Gross

April 5, 2016

Sending healing thoughts to Maury and his wonderful Parents whom we see around Atl every so often; from the Gross Family. As a kid Ross had that jet black bowl haircut and a wide smile that lit up the room. He was full of trouble in Hebrew school but so popular and cool and no one blamed him for forging his own path and staying in Athens. So wonderful to read all these tributes and that he was loved and made great music. RIP Ross.

Ken Tapscott

March 31, 2016

There was something very much "higher being" about old Ross. This was clear to me years before he passed away. I greatly regret not having spent more time in his company in the last years, since he closed down his shop in downtown Athens. I told myself over and over to call him up and go see him, but I was just lazy. I worried about his health, like probably everybody who knew him. Just being in his presence was enough to make you laugh (potentially for hours), the kind of laughter that makes your sides hurt, and even just thinking about him flickers up that little pilot light of hilarity somehow. And right now, thinking about him can make me want to laugh and start crying at the same time - hard to understand, but it sure is for real.

sash and lisa hedricks

March 31, 2016

My deepest Condolences to the family and friends of one of the great guys and artist..Long live the Glands..Number one island album to be stuck there with..Ross you were so kind when I met you twice in Cali..Sharing the food at House of Blues..You cared more about my brother when giving me advice to give him about Crohns disease which you had..I miss our chats on the phone..Every year you promise me on my birthday the album you have been working on for over 10 years..As a tribute to Ross please release someone the album never released and on vinyl "Double Thriller"What a honor to have met you..

Marci White

March 31, 2016

What a kind, creative soul. He'll be sorely missed and thought of fondly by so many. When I was a teen at camp, and then later in Athens, Ross went out of his way to help me at times when I needed it most. I'll never forget his kindness, his honesty, his easy smile. Thinking of Ross' family and friends during this sad time. Peace, love and healing to you all.

Joe Thomas

March 30, 2016

Found this bad news by mistake, I lived in the toco hill apartments back in 1974.. Ross lived there as well.. He used me as a punching bag back then.. Lol... However we were only kids... My prayers to Ross.. And to his family...

Side stage setup, Green Room, 2014.

March 30, 2016

Anne Boston

March 30, 2016

I have such a deep love for you, your musical expression, and your humanity. Nothing can stop it.

March 30, 2016

Gerald & Rhoda - We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.

Bobby & Mary Lybrand, Wagener, SC

Living it up in Anaheim.House of Blues

Sash Hedrickson

March 30, 2016

Ross.I will miss you and hope the album you have been working on for years gets released and Double Thriller on Vinyl as a tribute to the great artist and person you were.When I discovered the Glands "Double Thriller" right away it became my favorite and would if stranded on the beach or island would be my go to.It was a pleasure to meet you twice in Los Angeles .I made you laugh lots when I called the store and then when m brother got Chrons disease you gave me advice to give him and were as concerned for him as yourself..You were so awesome as a person and artist!These are pictures from House of Blues in Anaheim with Modest Mouse.Man what a night and we ate great didn't we?
To your family I give my deepest heartfelt condolences as you must be great people to have brought Ross into this world..May you rest in Peace Ross!Love Sash

Dale and Al Amandolia

March 30, 2016

Our hearts are heavy to hear of Ross' passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

wearing the shirt I gave you House Of Blues

Sash Hedrickson

March 30, 2016

The Glands me my wife Lisa and Modest Mouse .House of Blues Anaheim.

Sash Hedrickson

March 30, 2016

Jamie Jones

March 30, 2016

Rhoda and Gerald-- we are so very sorry for your loss. Jamie and Tom Jones

Melanie Reynolds

March 29, 2016

I love you Ross. I would give just about anything to have one more chat with you. My heart goes out to your family.

Diane Radford

March 29, 2016

Hey, Ross. I'm sorry I bugged you so much, I just couldn't help it. Thanks for all the side eyes and crooked smiles and pure joy. I never have known anyone like you. You would make fun of me now for how sad I am and I would feel better. All the love.

Julia Vereen

March 29, 2016

Always quick with that beautiful smile,.. quite possibly followed by a curmudgeonly comment..you will be missed in so many ways. Peace, love and light to all who know you.

Lucy McGowan

March 29, 2016

I always knew you were a faux curmudgeon. Thank you for allowing me to be the custodian of the most wonderful dog ever for 6 years. It was such an honor. Also, thanks for always paying for his annual vet visits. You are missed.

Craig McQuiston

March 29, 2016

generosity
jenräsd/
noun
the quality of being kind and generous.
"I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Ross Shapiro"
synonyms: magnanimity, munificence, openhandedness, unselfishness; kindness, benevolence, altruism, charity, big-heartedness, goodness

This definition and its synonyms best describe Ross for me. He took me under his wing and into his home on 3 different occasions when my life was in a state of flux. Work. We worked together and he reenforced my work ethic by his example. Music. So many amazing hours of spent with Ross making it, practicing it and recording it with an incredible cast of characters. As a creative force, Ross challenged and brought so much out of so many of us. Laughs. Definitely one of the funniest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Ah. I could go on and on...

My sincerest condolences to the whole Shapiro family. Thank you for taking such great care of Ross for all of us. I think I know where Ross got that generosity...

Todd Campbell

March 29, 2016

I am saddened to hear of Ross' passing. I can only hope that you might be reunited with your old friend Kate Lockwood. My deepest sympathies to all of his friends and family.

Jeff Hannan

March 29, 2016

With our N.J. roots we became fast friends. Condolences to family and all whose lives he touched. I will miss our regular dissection of music, Athens and life. Your brilliant music will be with us forever. Goodbye buddy, I am honored to be the only one that got to call you "Rusty" for a nickname and "buddy" was our long standing inside joke salutation. Thanks for being my friend.

Val Myers

March 29, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of Ross' passing.Sending our love & prayers to Gerald and Rhoda Shapiro & the family.
Joe & Val Myers

Chip Shirley

March 29, 2016

You were the coolest guy in Athens, Ross. We love you and will never forget you. Send more music from heaven please....

March 29, 2016

Sending healing light and warm thoughts to all of the Shapiro family in memory of your beloved Ross. He was indeed a most unique and dear friend.
It is an understatement to say that I will miss him.
Much Love, Sarina Rousso

Amanda Jane Crouse

March 29, 2016

I have no words. I'm sending light, warmth, and prayers for strength and peace to your family, your friends, and all of the people you have touched who love you so much.

Lucy McGowan

March 29, 2016

Whoever wrote this had you pegged. You were great and loving, no matter how you tried to spin it. Thanks for giving me Elroy and paying for all of his vet visits.

Jim Stacy

March 29, 2016

Thanks buddy.
You'd find this use of the Internet specactular.

Peter Fancher

March 29, 2016

I love you Ross.Our time together was the most important work/play/creative time of my life .We were together for many moments >big and SMALL

chad towler

March 29, 2016

Rosie, I will miss you dearly and am so sad we didn't get a last laugh together. We had some great years and you'll always be amazing memories in my heart. Be well. Thanks for a really hilarious friendship.

Njambi mwaura

March 29, 2016

You were a beautiful soul with a sunny smile and mounds of talent. You'll be sorely missed by all who knew you. Your music lives on as will you in our hearts and minds. Heartfelt condolences to all your beloveds. Journey well, peaceful warrior.

Sue Hoagland

March 28, 2016

I love you Ross. We will party later.xo

Rand Raynor

March 28, 2016

You'll always be my brother. See you down the road.

Steven Thompson

March 28, 2016

I send my love to Ross's family, his dear friends and to countless others who loved and admired him.

I met Ross many years ago at the Gyro Wrap. I had walked over to say hello to Bill Chappell and Chris and Jane Grimes who worked there as well. After Bill introduced us, I suddenly found myself on my heels before I realized I was even in a conversation with him! He baffled me immediately. He was brilliant, hilarious and merciless in the best possible way. I was completely at a loss and perfectly happy to be so! I'll never forget that moment. A wonderful, sweet and irreplaceable man.

I'm lucky to have known him at all.

Light to all who loved him.

Steven Thompson

March 28, 2016

I send my love to Ross's family, his dear friends and to countless others who loved and admired him.

I met Ross many years ago. I walked over to the Gyro Wrap to see Bill Chappell and Chris and Jane Grimes. After Bill introduced me, I found myself on my heels before I even realized I was in a conversation with him! He baffled and teased me. He was hilarious. I was completely at a loss and was perfectly happy to be right there!
He was brilliant, sweet and unforgettable.

I am so lucky to have known him.

richard culross

March 28, 2016

May your family rejoice & find strength in how you touched so many with your talents, your life & presence.

Stephen Judge

March 28, 2016

We were very shocked and saddened to learn of Ross' passing. We considered him a brother-in-arms and fellow cousin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the Athens, GA community that loved Ross and will miss him. You are in our thoughts - Stephen Judge, owner Schoolkids Records, NC and my entire staff in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill stores, our hearts are heavy.

Dave Schools

March 28, 2016

Athenstown is one good man lighter now without you.
Thanks for being a friend for 30 years Ross.
You are missed. By many more than just me.

rachel townes

March 28, 2016

Thanks so much, Ross, for sharing your sense of humor and world views with me over countless cups of coffee. I'm so glad we got to hang out together - I will miss you.

Kelly Noonan

March 28, 2016

I am already missing you Ross! I am missing your smile, your sarcasm, your humor, your art, your style and the way you loved your dogs. There is a big hole where you used to be. I hate that I can't find you downtown or anywhere for that matter...but I can still find you in my heart for always. I am honored and feel lucky to have known you my friend. So much love for you and your Family. May we all find our way through this difficult time.

Jenn B

March 28, 2016

Your music is one of the best things to ever happen to Athens and to me. Thank you, Ross.

Leah Mulligan Cabinum

March 28, 2016

"I wish I had a river..." You will always be loved and missed.

Helena Cavendish de Moura

March 28, 2016

You have never left me and never will. Not for a minute. Its fate that our souls are painfully intertwined. You are my friend, weve inspired and protected each other. I wanted you to meet my family...but you are my family. I adore you. Stop calling me Helen. And your guestbook has no Spain it, so I will put Nebraska.

kevin sweeney

March 28, 2016

i'm still in your band!

friendship!

Jeff Aftergut

March 28, 2016

Very sad to hear! Rest in Peace Ross! I will always remember that smile!

Dan Matthews

March 28, 2016

You made the world a much better place for all of us whose lives you touched with your music, your food, your presence and your smile. Keep rocking in the next world too

Elliott Sons Funeral Home

March 27, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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