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Dr. Abraham Shapiro

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Brooklyn College

Abraham Shapiro Obituary

Dr. Abraham Shapiro, 89, of Burlington, CT, formerly of Wethersfield and Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully at home, on March 4, 2020, after a brief illness. Considered a pioneer in Behavioral Optometry (Visual Training), he obtained his undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College before graduating valedictorian from the Massachusetts College of Optometry in 1954. He did his post-graduate work in Children's Vision at the Gesell Institute of Child Development in New Haven, CT, and at the Bio-Energetic Institute of Connecticut. Abraham received commission as an optometry officer in the US Air Force in 1955 and was appointed Chief of the Optometry Clinic at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, TX, in 1957. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1958. He was awarded Hartford County Optometrist of the Year in 1980; "O.D. of the Year" by the Connecticut Optometric Society in 1982; was past-president of the New England Chapter of the American Academy of Optometry and lectured at a number of Optometric Congresses and other symposiums across the country. He was the co-author of an optometric book, "Behavior, Beliefs & Emotions (Doctor-Patient Relationship)" and co-edited "The Collected Works of Lawrence W. MacDonald, O.D." Abraham had offices in Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Burlington. He is survived by his wife, Cipah, his daughter, Cyma, and her husband, Richard, and several grandchildren, sister Beverly Feldman and her children.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Mar. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Abraham Shapiro

Sponsored by the family.

19 Entries

Anne Marie Tranquillo

Planted Trees

Pamela and joe cardin

August 29, 2021

This man was extremely gifted not only at what he did for work but who he was as a human being. I can´t express what he did for our son. His patience was unmatched. He always took so much time and was thoughtful with each response to every question.
There are no words to express our sadness.

Genevieve

May 10, 2021

Doctor Shapiro was my doctor since age 3; no one knew what was wrong with my eyes and he was the one who figured out what was wrong and was able to shape my life into what it is today. I don't know where I'd be without him, I send my deepest condolences to his wife and daughter, and to all of you who who are grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man.

Linda and Jerry Heines

April 19, 2021

Jerry and I consider Abe a dear friend. His outlook on life and Optometry inspired us to learn and improve our bodies and our minds. Our condolences to Cipah and his family. His humor, compassion for helping people and enthusiasm for organic gardening are treasured memories of his friendship.

michael esterson

February 1, 2021

He was my father Jack Esterson's close friend and my eye doctor, what a great guy, always positive and forward thinking, after my own dads death in 2009 I called him and he related a last conversation with my father who told Dr Shapiro "Everything has a beginning and an end" and your story also Abe was beautiful and had a beginning and an end.

Shalom
Mike Esterson
Oakland Ca.

Patricia L Anderson

December 29, 2020

I am just learning of Abe's passing and am so sad that the world has lost one of the kindest, most knowledgeable person. I worked with Abe on vision and behavioral issues for many, many years - and he was a good friend as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cip and his family. He will be missed but well remembered by those of us who knew him.

C pattison

December 21, 2020

Dr Shapiro helped shape my childhood and fixed my eyes. He was a trusted confidant as well as a caring Dr during my younger years. Thank you, "Dr S" for the guidance, care and perseverance on my behalf, even when I was difficult, which was usually often. So many things to be said, however anyone that knew you, knows the words to be said. I'm so glad we got to see each other before i moved to the UK. Many thanks and much love.

Cynthia (Karp) Pattison

Jeanne Sloane

August 24, 2020

Abe was a wonderful kind and dedicated healer. His work with my children in the 80s was so heart felt. We enjoyed many dinners with Cipah and Abe remember them with deep affection. We were honored to call them friends during our Connecticut years. I am overflowing with love for this good man.

Joan Keifer

July 18, 2020

I am just seeing this now, so, so sorry. Dr. Shapiro was one of the most genteel men that I have ever known. He treated my son for many years, so kind, caring, compassionate. So sorry for your loss Cyma, the world was a better place because of him.

Patrick Fennell

April 27, 2020

Abe Shapiro was my doctor and my friend. I am grateful for the help he gave me over many years.

Cynthia Meyer

April 18, 2020

The loveliest of human beings! He made a huge difference in my life. I remember the first time I saw him professionally ...for the first time I understood my vision issue. What he said made sense. I was thinking of my visits to the farm and how wonderful it was to be in the presence of a truly good person, who was brilliant.
My husband David and I will always remember him and how much he helped us. I think of him and his lovely warm partner in this life, Cipah. Our prayers go out to all who loved him and may he always be remembered for his kindness.

Betsy Oakleaf

April 16, 2020

Dr Shapiro was an amazing human. I found him through my mother-in-law Mickey Friedman when I lived in West Hartford. My daughter couldn't read, was at a 1st grade level in 3rd grade. Three months after seeing him her reading level jumped a whole year ahead of her class. His skills were amazing and he was a lovely, caring human being. Sorry to hear of your loss and loss for the world. I hope he was able to pass on his skills to others!

Audrey Livingston

March 14, 2020

Please forgive me for misspelling your name, Cyma. I wrote this immediately after my entry but it never went through.
Audrey

Audrey Livingston

March 10, 2020

I worked for Dr. Shapiro for several years when he was in Wethersfield. I remember him with great fondness. He was a kind, patient and gentle man who was a pleasure to work with and know. My heart goes out to his beloved Cipah and his beautiful Syma. I was just thinking about him a couple of days ago and thought I should visit. How I regret not following through on that. What a void he leaves for all of you. I care and am sending much love and sincere condolences.

Bob Knowlden

March 8, 2020

I have only know Abe for a few years, but I knew him as a brilliant man and a great healer. He described himself and Cipah as a single organism.

My sympathy to Cyma.

Bob Knowlden

March 8, 2020

I have only known Abe for a few years. I knew him as a brilliant man, and a true healer.

Vicki Savastio

March 8, 2020

I was friends with Abe for many years. He was the kindest person I've ever known.

Jerry Huntoon

March 8, 2020

Cyma:

Deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. I remember him fondly.

March 6, 2020

Abraham Shapiro was one of those individuals who was always working to better himself; his profession, and all of those who had the pleasure to know and work with him, as patients or professional colleagues. He and Cipah made a wonderful team that enabled all patients feel like there was hope for recovery when other professionals had no answer for their condition, and they usually delivered. He has been missed since his retirement and will be for years to come.

C. David, Carrie, Colleen, and Connor Burns

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