Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Sinai Mortuary of AZ

4538 N. 16th Street

Phoenix, Arizona

Gary Shapiro Obituary

Shapiro, Gary
62 years old of Scottsdale lost his valiant battle with cancer on December 13, 2014, with his loving wife, Laurie, by his side. Gary was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Don and Ellie Shapiro on May 24, 1952. He and his family moved to Phoenix in 1960. Gary graduated from Arizona State University in 1975 and graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1979. He joined his father's optometric practice that same year and was instrumental in expanding the practice, adding Optical Expressions in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Like his father before him, his associates, staff, colleagues and many patients loved Gary. In 1983, Gary married his beloved wife, Laurie. Together, they raised two adoring children, David and Dorie and two devoted dogs, Punkin and later PJ. Gary was an avid golfer from a young age. One of his greatest joys was playing in his regular threesome at Desert Highlands every Sunday. In addition to golf, Gary shared numerous interests with Laurie which included snow skiing, travel, great food and wine tasting. They were great supporters of all the local teams, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Cardinals, the Phoenix Suns, and the ASU Sun Devils. One of his greatest thrills was watching the D-Backs win the World Series in 2001. Despite his numerous interests, Gary is best defined by his relationships. He was loved by everyone who met him, maintaining friendships from childhood, college and optometry school, as well as relationships made as an adult. He is survived by Laurie, his children David and Dorie, and David's fiance, Elizabeth. He is also survived by his beloved mother, Ellie, his two sisters, Karen Nachtwey (Ron) and Sue Lyle (Robert), his brothers-in-law Rick Bistrow (Laura) and Sandy Bistrow (Ginger) and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Congregation Beth Israel located at 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale, on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment following at Beth Israel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Usher 1F Collaborative: Vision for Our Future, 321 Walnut Street, #228, Newtonville, MA 02460-1927 or Usher1F.org. Also, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Congregation Beth Israel, 10460 N. 56th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary.

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Dec. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Shapiro

Not sure what to say?





Laurie Shapiro

December 10, 2020

My darling Gary never missed an opportunity to share goodies with our beloved PJ, even popsicles!!

Tony & Christine Greco

June 17, 2016

Dr. Gary, I was just going to call your office in Scottsdale tomorrow and was saddened to learn of your passing. My wife and I have been patients of yours for many years. We will miss you and your smile when we came in to see you. Our sympathy goes out to all of your family. We will miss you.

Nancy Gadsby

February 28, 2016

I was just looking up Dr Shapiro's office number to refer a work friend of mine and was so very saddened to discover his passing. Please accept these late condolences. He was a wonderful and kind man. I'm so sorry for your loss.

karen shapiro

February 12, 2016

this is your sister Karen telling you I miss you every breath and second of the day. I see you smiling wherever you are but I need to touch and feel you with you making me laugh...love forever karen

Sheala Sordia

February 11, 2016

He was an awesome eye doctor. He will be missed.

Kathleen Liles

January 14, 2016

Imagine our shock when I went to look up the office number to schedule an appt with Gary and I find this instead. Dennis & Kathleen Liles...patients of both Dr. Shapiro's for over 35 years. We are sick and saddened by this shocking & unexpected news. Late to the knowledge, but no less affected. A good man, with a good heart and a great sense of humor. We will miss your smile.

January 11, 2016

Thank you for the many years of great eye service. Steven Scott

Lesley Cunningham

December 10, 2015

The last time I saw Dr. Shapiro was May of 2014, I had no idea he was ill, he was his same cheerful self. He would hum to the music while we went through my exam, we talked about high school of all things as he and I both graduated from Camelback, and he would always remind me he graduated much earlier than I did, but we are in fact not that far apart. As the anniversary of his passing approaches, I send prayers and comfort to all of the.family. I am in the office today for my exam, first time back and I'll keep coming, but will always remember how cool, funny and easy to be around the doc was and how awesome it is that he touched so many lives while on this earth.

Dee Dee and Tom Nadler

October 23, 2015

We wish you a peaceful journey! You are a special person and have a loving family.

Pam Thompson

October 5, 2015

Today I called to make my annual appointment with Dr. Shapiro and learned of his passing. He always had a kind word to say and you could tell he loved what he did and truly cared about patients. It will not be the same without his smiling face, may God Bless him and his family. Rest in peace Dr. Shapiro.

Ben Walker

September 29, 2015

I just heard about Gary's passing, yesterday (9/28/15) and I was truly shocked. I was a patient of Gary's at the Biltmore location. I always looked forward to seeing him.We laughed and talked -- especially about food -- during every appointment. Like the blinding lights he shone into my eyes, he was one bright and shining star of my universe. When I reach heaven, I am, though, gonna get even with him for shooting air into my eyes. I shall miss him, madly.

Joyce Fazekas

September 9, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I got my first eye exam and glasses from Dr. Don Shapiro and went to him most of my early life. My mother, Ethel Dale, continued with Dr. Gary and she is 90 years old. The Shapiro's exemplify kindness and loyalty and continuity of great service by doctors and their staff. He, like his father, will be missed by many.

Gabriella Lindsey

July 31, 2015

I found out today about Dr. Shapiro's passing. I had seen him in June of 2014 and thought about him often, hoping he would get better, but today when I called, I found out he's not with us anymore. My condolences to his family. We used to talk about traveling among other things. One of the conversations we had was about a trip his mom organized and paid for to take the whole family together. I thought that was really cool. He will be missed.

July 9, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr Shapiro. He was excellent. Always professional and kind. He is missed.

J Williams

July 9, 2015

Sometimes we do not recognize the goodness in people until they are gone but not so with Dr. Shapiro. He was always caring, patient, and honest each time we met. Many can master the craft of eye treatment but fewer can do so with the compassion he demonstrated as a professional and a fellow human being. My condolences to the family and staff.

Linda Bender

July 3, 2015

Upon calling Optical Expressions yesterday, I found out about Gary's passing. My sons and I met Gary in the early 1980s, and I last saw him in October, 2013. He was struggling at that time, and I regret the toll his illness took on him and his family.
We always schmoozed about our schooling in Philadelphia and our long term relationship. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Gary will be missed by all but remains in our hearts..

Father and Son at Cardinals playoff game

Dorie Shapiro

June 10, 2015

Gary and his family

Dorie Shapiro

June 10, 2015

Morgain Smith

June 9, 2015

I was told on my appt. reschedule today of Gary's passing. I saw him in August and many times during my 30+ years of being his patient. Dr. Shapiro was the finest eye doctors' I've even known as well as being an exceptional and caring human being. I am truly saddened by his loss and wish all of his family peace. We have been blessed to have known him.

Dad, PJ and Moe

Laurie Shapiro

June 7, 2015

Laurie Shapiro

June 7, 2015

Rene' Kuehne

June 6, 2015

I called yesterday to make my annual appointment with Dr. Gary and was so saddened to hear of his passing. He was such a kind, honest, thoughtful and thorough doctor and a joy to chat with during visit. My condolences to his family, friends and staff. He made a positive mark in this world and will be missed.

Jane Burtnett

June 5, 2015

I, too, a very longtime client, found out today of Dr. Shapiro's passing when I called to change my appointment. (I wasn't aware of it when I made the appointment a couple of months ago.) We had talked about both surviving cancer last year. My deepest condolences to all who knew him and to his family at this difficult time. Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow. Farewell, good doc.

Cheryl Burnside

June 3, 2015

It was very sad to learn today that Dr. Gary had passed. I have been a patient of his since 1983. He was a very funny and warm human being. My condolences to his family and colleagues. He will be missed.

MaryAnn & Eric Davis

May 27, 2015

Laurie ,David ,Dorie , Ellie and all Family, I am so very sorry to hear about Dr.Gary I just found out . He was a great Man ! A fantastic Boss for 10 years and I know an amazing Father and Husband ! He will be missed .
My condolences

Cindy Wager

May 13, 2015

I would like to send my condolences to the Shapiro family. Like many others I too was a patient for Dr. Gary for over 35 years and we always shared stories of his family and the people we knew in common. Truly he was one of my favorite docs and he will be missed by so many! I hope he did not have to suffer a long time and that he rests in peace.

Susan Lamphiear

May 7, 2015

I'm so sad about Dr. Gary's passing, having been his patient for over 20 years. I just found out today. He was always so kind to me and it's really unthinkable he's gone. My deep condolences to his family. I feel so fortunate to have known him. Please know my thoughts are with his family and close friends and many patients whose lives he touched. He will be missed.

Vanessa Stewart

April 28, 2015

My condolences to Shapiro family. I called to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Shapiro and was told he passed. We loved Dr. Shapiro, he was a kind man. It was Dr. Shapiro who saved my husband's eye, he saw that my husband's retina was detached and referred him to a specialist for surgery, my husband has always been thankful for that. We will truly miss Dr. Shapiro.

Linda Thomas

April 10, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Shapiro family. I loved Dr. Gary as my eye Dr. and friend for over 30 years. He was truly a gentle man. We shared lots of good laughs and stories about our families. One of the last times I saw him, Lauri you stopped by with the 2 dogs (David's and yours) I knew you were just checking on him. He loved you dearly and was a very proud Papa. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace my friend.

April 8, 2015

We are deeply sadden to hear about the passing of Dr. Shapiro, we just found out today. We will miss him dearly for our visits. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that he will be in our prayers and well as the family. Blessing to you and your loved ones.
Henry and Maria Cano

Anna Gonzales-Sachwitz

April 8, 2015

I called the office today to make an apt with Dr. Shapiro and was shocked to hear about his passing. I have been a patient of his for over 15 years. I will never forget he told me that he was lucky that not all his patients were like me because he would be out of business! He will be missed!

Marcela Valdez

April 8, 2015

April 7, 2015

My husband and I are saddened for the loss of a great doctor and person. We found out about Dr. Shapiro passing through a friend to whom I had recommended Dr. Shapiro. I used to tell my friends and coworkers about how a great Dr. Shapiro was and I would give out his office number and address.
We had been seen Dr. Shapiro for 15 years since we moved to Phoenix, AZ. He was an excellent doctor and a very kind person and we always looked forward to our appointments with him.
Our condolences to Dr. Shapiro's family and friends. He will be missed.

Caren Jablonsky

April 7, 2015

I am deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Gary Shapiro's passing today. I lost my Rx sunglasses recently and called to make an appointment. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Shapiro family. I will miss kibbitzing with Dr. Gary!

Fay Joe

February 13, 2015

I was so looking forward to seeing Dr Shapiro for my next appt. Don and I are so sad to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with you, Laurie, and your family. God Bless. Fay Joe and Don Wiggins.

George King

January 26, 2015

When making an apt. this morning I learned of Dr. Gary's passing and am so very sad. He has helped me for over 30 years and I will miss his wonderful wit and professionalism. Heaven is a better place with Gary there lighting the way. Peace my friend.

Tom & Nova Forrest

January 23, 2015

Calling for an appointment this morning we learned of Dr. Gary's death. Our hearts are broken for not only your loss, but ours. We loved Dr. Gary and had been seeing him for nearly 30 years. May God comfort you in your loss.

Tom Mecker

January 21, 2015

My condolences to the family. Gary was a wonderful person. I first met him when he was working in his fathers practice. Donald was my Doctor for years, and then Gary became my Doctor. They both were very professional, caring, and thoughtful. Our family will missed Gary very much.
Tom, Karen, Kimberly, and Kyle Mecker

Denise Hulcher

January 21, 2015

My condolences to the Shapiro family. I am saddened to just have learned of Dr. Gary's passing. He was my eye doctor for nearly 30 years and he was a wonderful gentle man. May you all find God's comfort through family and friends. My heart goes out to you.

Manisha Geiger

January 21, 2015

Dear Laurie and family, I just learned of Gary's passing away through friends in the Optometric community. I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a wonderful, kindhearted man as well as a great Optometrist. Having recently lost my mother to cancer, I can trully say I understand what you are going through. Our only consolation is that our loved ones are no longer enduring the pain and suffering of this horrid disease. If I can be of any help with the practice or personally, please don't hesitate to contact me.

January 20, 2015

I am deeply saddened about the passing of Dr. Shapiro. He has been my eye doctor for a long time and I always enjoyed talking to him during my visits. Rest in peace Dr. Shapiro.

Dilip and Renuka Kumar

January 18, 2015

We were deeply saddened to hear of Dr Shapiros passing away when we went in for our annual eye check up.He was our Optometrist for over 15 years. He always did a thorough and detailed exam.He had a great chairside manner. We will miss him. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and staff.

Chris Davia

January 16, 2015

To Laurie, David, Dorie and Ellie

I've been a patient of Dr. Gary since 1984. Gary helped make my transition to the valley easier. His kindness was abundant and his gentle easy-going nature made him special. He truly cared for all his patients and always had a kind word or smile when seeing him out of the office or at a ballgame. He was a fan of all the teams and I know many of those he met were big fans of him. He will be missed, his kindness lives on in me and I will do my best to pay it forward. Thank You Gary—

—Chris Davia

Jeanette Rajansky

January 15, 2015

I am deeply saddened to have just recently learned of your beloved Gary's passing. I have been a patient of Dr. Gary for 20 some years. HIs smile lit up the room and I always looked forward to our visits. I prayed for his recovery daily but it was not to be in God's plan. I am so very sorry for your loss; he will be missed by all who ever had the privilege of knowing him.

Steve Gronek

January 14, 2015

I attended Camelback High School with Gary, but was fortunate to only later meet him in his practice, and he has attended to my eye health for a long time since. I am so sorry to learn now of his passing. I will truly miss him. I extend my condolensces to all those who love and will miss him even more.

Mary Hofstetter

January 11, 2015

My heart is heavy after learning of Gary's passing. I have known him for over 25 years, first as my eye doctor, and then as a friend. I will miss his friendly smile and our chats about his children, ski trips and other travels. My sympathy to the entire family.

January 6, 2015

Dear Laurie, David and Dorie,
I was so saddened to receive a call from Gail telling me the news of Gary passing away. In all the years we were friends, I never once remember him without a smile adorning his face. He was a generously kind and special man. Deepest sympathy!

Kevin & Nancy LaPratt

December 30, 2014

May the soul of Gary, the faithful departed rest in peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Amen.
In prayerful remembrance and our thoughts are with the Shapiro and Bistrow families at this time.

Michelle Burns

December 29, 2014

Such a wonderful man! Our prayers are with his family, staff and friends. He will be missed; such a talented kind individual. Thank you for taking such great care of not only my eyes but those of my family members.

Bill Woodward

December 27, 2014

What a shock to learn of Dr. Gary's passing this week. Rhonda and I share our deepest sympathy with Laurie and the entire Shapiro family. When I first arrived in Phoenix to begin a new job in 1984, establishing a relationship with Dr. Gary was one of the first things I did. Over the years, he continued to be the most wonderful optometrist and he became a dear friend. It was always so much fun to see him and talk about sports. As a native of Cleveland, I appreciated his interest in, and knowledge of, Cleveland sports. For his gentle and thorough care, for his warm sense of humor, for the many times he would fit us in a busy schedule without an appointment and for his kind and loving spirit... we will always be grateful. We will miss Dr. Gary.

Robert Maynard

December 26, 2014

I was totally shocked when I heard of Gary's passing. The last time I spoke with him he was doing so well. I offered to cover for him but he was very comfortable being back at work.
He, his Dad, Mother and family were the nicest people I have ever met.
He will be sorely missed by his patients, staff and friends.
Good bye Gary, be well and comfortable. The world is better for your being here and that is a marvelous thing.
Bob Maynard

Chris Gerardo

December 22, 2014

I was a patient of Gary for over 15 years and knew him and his Dad going back 35 years when they would play golf at the Az.Biltmore G.C..He was a friend first and foremost.I last saw him in August when I had an eye infection and he saw me immediately without an appointment.I gave him a hug and wished him the best.He was a great friend and a good doctor.I am very saddened by the news of his passing.I will miss him alot.My sincere condolences to the entire family!I am very sorry for your loss.

December 22, 2014

We were unbelievably shocked to learn of Gary's passing. We have been in the middle of a move to another state and learned the news from our realtor friend who introduced us to Gary in 1985. And he regularly tended to our eye health. Always calm but happy at the same time. Interested in your life and happy to share his. I lost my youngest brother (46) this year. And I still cannot believe this nor the passing of Gary. I will always miss the very positive energy that surrounded him and his staff. Most sincerely, Sharron Greko

David & Francine Romesburg

December 22, 2014

We echo the many kind words and condolences expressed by all the friends of Gary. A bright and happy light may have gone out for us here but his after glow of love, respect and caring will always remain with us. Heaven has gained our best example of loving one another and his mission here can be stated as "Well done my good and faithful servant!".

Sharon Steeley

December 21, 2014

My heart is breaking.. Gary was such a wonderful Son,Father, Husband and friend. His soft voice, sweet smile, beautiful dark curly hair and rosy checks will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathy to Laurie, his children, mother and family.
Until we meet again.

Angie Quaranta

December 21, 2014

Last seeing Gary at the oncologist was difficult, but I am grateful I was able to say goodbye and give him a hug. I had the great fortune to know Dr. Shapiro for over 30 years, first as a friend through my sister and her husband and then as my eye Dr. It was one of those friendships, that you wouldn't see each other for 2 years and so we talked throughout my exam catching up. He always talked about his family, wife, kids, mom and dad and he always asked me about our family with sincere interest. My heart is heavy with his passing, he fought a very hard battle. My love and prayers to his family. He was a special man and I will miss him.

norm ellen glassman

December 21, 2014

0re family wiil sorely miss gary;s sdvice and wisdom.

Jerry Wassel

December 20, 2014

I,too, was a classmate of Gary's, graduating from the PA College of Optometry in May 1979. It was an incredible group of people who grew into a close-knit community over the four years in Philadelphia. I have such warm memories of the guy affectionately know as "Guv" as a friendly always smiling, easy-going fellow. Ahava Shalom, Gary.

Randy Goldberg

December 20, 2014

So very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our family knew him for the past 24 years. We were patients and friends. He was a kind and gentle doctor, person. Our love and sympathy to Laurie and family. Randy and Dennis Goldberg

Lenore Simon

December 19, 2014

Dr Shapiro loved talking about his family, politics, & music loves with me. I started going to the practice about 24 years ago-and used to see Dad. Dr Shapiro will be missed by many of us who were his patients and felt like we were much more than that. I can only imagine how many other lives he touched....most importantly his family. My condolences to everyone who loved him.

Rick Silver

December 19, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathy to all of the Shapiro family on the passing of Gary. As a fellow PCO Class of '79 OD, I have enjoyed our discussions over the years of our previous experiences with life in Philly, and sharing patients along the way who have moved from LA to Phoenix and vice versa. I will miss his warm, sincere, down to earth manner. I will never forget how mad he used to get when driving his bright red Chevy on Broad St. in Philadelphia when all of the lights were unsynchronized and random, while explaining that would never happen on the streets of his beloved Phoenix!!
I will miss him also.
Rick Silver

December 19, 2014

Shapiro Family,

I was so saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I have always respected Gary as a family man and someone who held the highest of ethics. I will miss you and the times we spoke about sports and family. I will pray for all of you during this most difficult time.
Kurt D. Buri

Brenda Delany

December 18, 2014

Dear Shapiro Family,
I was a patient of Dr. Gary's for more than 30 years, with my first visit at the McDowell location many moons ago. Years passed sometimes without my having an annual eye exam, but Dr. Gary was always so welcoming despite my not seeing him for a few years at a time.

What I liked about him the best...he always looked me straight in the eye(s) and told me the truth! I sure will miss him, and send prayers to his family and loved ones. I will always remember him as a kind and warm man.

Warmly,
Brenda Delany

December 18, 2014

It is with great sadness we heard of Gary's passing. Our deepest condolences to the entire Shapiro family.
Melissa, Danielle and Sam Mitchell and Luba Teeman

Tom & Margi Levitt

December 18, 2014

Thinking of you with love, Laurie, Dorie and David, Ellie, Sue and Karen...

Aspen, CO, Mar 2012

Margi Levitt

December 18, 2014

We loved playing in the Colorado snow with our dear friends Gary and Laurie over the past several years. What a fine, and fun-loving, person Gary was. Tom and I will miss him SO very much.

John Reimold,OD

December 18, 2014

Dear Laurie,David,and Dorie,
I was extremely saddened to here about Gary's passing. Gary was my room mate for 2 years at PCO. He was a delightful and wonderful guy to live with while managing the challenges of our professional education. The sports stories, jokes, complaints about school,endless laughing, the chevelle, food shopping and cooking for each other, bar visits-- the wonderful memories keep popping up.
Unfortunately I never was able to meet you as Gary and I went our separate ways, however I often thought about him.
May God bless you during you grief.

Jim McDonald

December 18, 2014

Gary was the best. I will miss him. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Carol Becker Levey

December 18, 2014

Dear Ellie, Sue and Karen,
Mamie called our family to tell us of Gary's death. I was heartbroken. Throughout the years, Gary was always so nice to all of us and in particular, to my Dad and my brother Jeff who were clients of both Don's and Gary's. Having lost my brother Rick at the same age as Gary all I can say is that G-d took both of them to do good work in heaven. May he rest in peace and may you always know how much all of your family has always meant to me.

Ellyn and Michael Kruke

December 17, 2014

Dear Laurie and David and Dorie,
We send heartfelt sympathies along with our loving and fond memories of Gary. He was a friend to our entire family and we will miss his kind and generous spirit.
Our prayers go out to the entire Shapiro family at this very difficult time.
Lv Michael and Ellyn Kruke and Family

Terry Kraus

December 17, 2014

So sad to read about your loss in the Jewish News. May Gary's memory be a blessing to all who loved him.

Sharon Garrett

December 17, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I have been a patient for over 30 years and always enjoyed by appointments as they were more like just friendly visits with a very warm and sweet man. I will miss him. Sending warm thoughts and prayers for the family of which he always spoke of in the very fondest terms.

Craig Aslin

December 17, 2014

Laurie, Dorie and David,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

December 17, 2014

We will miss Gary and think of him always. Our deepest sympathies to Laurie, the kids, and rest of the family. Mark, Mary, Ryan and Rachel Schubert

Karen Hanson Riley

December 17, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Shapiro clan.

Tom and Vasvi Babu

December 17, 2014

We just learned of Gary's passing and are deeply saddened. Gary was an esteemed colleague and someone we very much admired for his success as a practitioner but also for his integrity and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Laurie, David and Dorie.

Ida Rosa-Williams

December 17, 2014

I am so sad to hear the news of Dr. Shapiro's passing. He was not only an excellent doctor, but such a kind and gentle man as well. He will be missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him. My condolences to his family, office staff and friends. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Annie Gieseking

December 16, 2014

I am so sad to hear about Dr. Shapiro. I have been a patient for over 25 years. I so enjoyed my appointments with him, hearing about his family that he adored. I learned at one appointment that I bought his old partners house and the whole office staff had been to parties in our home. He always made me smile...I will miss him and I can only imagine how much his family will do the same. Peace.

Karen Weston

December 16, 2014

Just heard this sad news and it is very surprising. My thoughts and prayers go out to Laurie, Ellie,Sue, Karen and the entire family. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Bernie Lepri

December 16, 2014

Gary and I were classmates at Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He was a sincerely kind and friendly guy to all he encountered. he will be sincerely missed by many. Time and distance have not lessened the bonds of the Class of '79. We all share in this loss. Bernie Lepri

Yvonne Kisner-Rossmell

December 16, 2014

I was very sorry to hear of Dr. Shaprio's passing. I saw him for an eye exam just a few months ago and he and I reminisced about our father's being Lion's club together.

My heart goes out to his wife, children, mother and extended family-especially Rick Bistrow.

May God give you comfort, peace and heal your hearts.

-Yvonne Kisner-Rossmell
(Daughter of Kenny and Dora Kisner)

Susan Oppenheim

December 16, 2014

Dear Laurie and family, Sending you love, thoughts and prayers during this time.

Terry Stair

December 16, 2014

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Dr Gary's passing. I have been a patient for the past 25 years. He was always smiling and was so kind and caring. He will definitely be missed. Rest in peace Dr Gary.

Judy & Ed Hirsch

December 16, 2014

Laurie, David, Dorie and your family - We are so sorry that you are all experiencing this unbearable loss. Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Judy & Ed Hirsch

Marc Scher

December 16, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Although I was just one of his many patients, Gary was more like a friend. We used to joke about UofA and ASU and talk about golf and family. I felt like I really knew everyone. He was so kind and really quite special. I will miss him. My condolences go out to the entire family and his staff.

Robert & Sonia Fairbanks

December 16, 2014

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

Marie Griffin

December 16, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Shapiro's passing. I have been a patient of his for the past 20 years. He was always so caring and professional. I referred many friends and family members to him over the years. He will be missed.

Joe Donaher

December 16, 2014

Rest in Peace , Gary

Joe Donaher

December 16, 2014

Shapiro Family,
Sorry and shocked to read of Garys passing. I had a great visit and chat with him as I had my yearly checkup with him in Nov.We would always talk ASU football. May you rest in Peace Gary. God Bless you and your family.

Jan (Kowal) Coleman

December 16, 2014

Laurie, David, Dorie and family--I am heartbroken for you. Please know you are in the prayers of friends near and far. Many, many hugs of comfort. -jan

December 16, 2014

Dear Laurie, David and Dori- We are so sorry to hear the news of Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. While Gary may be gone from this earth, he will always remain alive in our hearts and memories.
Guy & Jill Erickson

Shelley and Fred LaBell

December 16, 2014

Dear Laurie, Our condolences to you and all your family. May his memory be a blessing.

December 16, 2014

Gary was a wonderful doctor as well as a caring person. He was so proud of his family - wife and kids. Over the 30+ years we enjoyed his humor and professionalism. He will be greatly missed and remembered. Our prayers go out to the family.

December 16, 2014

Dear Laurie, David and Dori,
Our thoughts are with all of you and the whole Shapiro Family. We have so many fond memories of Gary-such a sweet and kind man! He has touched so many people with his kindness and warmth.
He made the world a better place because he was in it.
RIP Gary.
Sending loving and peaceful thoughts on this very difficult day.
lv Judy and Nathan and Andrew Laufer

Cindy Lyons

December 16, 2014

We are so saddened to hear about Gary's passing. Our love and condolences go out to your family.

Howard McClenaghan

December 16, 2014

How sad. Have gone to Dr. Gary for many years. We used to joke that I was his first patient. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 16, 2014

So sorry to hear of Dr. Gary's passing, he was a great guy..Mike & Karen Holloway

Andrea Svetly

December 16, 2014

Dear Laurie, David and Dorie, We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband and father. It is a tragedy that he is gone far too soon. A light has gone out in our community. The Svetly Family

Linda Geringer

December 16, 2014

We are saddened to hear about Gary. He was such a warm and kind man.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family!

Warmly,
Linda, Steve and Cole Geringer

Lisa Oliver-Colucci

December 16, 2014

Our Deepest sympathy to the Shapiro Family! Gary was a wonderful Man and we were lucky to know him in this lifetime. We send peaceful loving thoughts on this sad day! All our Love, Lisa and Larry Oliver-Colucci

December 16, 2014

Dear Laurie, David and Dori,
Our hearts are heavy and sad for you at this time. Loved my visits to his office as we shared the joy of our children and family. HIs smile and the twinkle in eyes lit up when he spoke about David and Dori. He truly be missed. Debra and Joe Fisher

Showing 1 - 100 of 105 results

Make a Donation
in Gary Shapiro's name

Memorial Events
for Gary Shapiro

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Sinai Mortuary of AZ

4538 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016

How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gary Shapiro's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more