Samuel Jacob Shapiro

SAMUEL JACOB SHAPIRO died July 25, 2002, at the age of 90. He was born May 6, 1912 in Houston, Texas, the youngest of 6 children of Sonia and Moses Shapiro. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Rice University and received a master's degree in Business from Columbia University. Early in his business career, he owned a general dry goods store in Jefferson, Texas. He and his wife, Ruth, moved to Houston in 1940 where he became active in the real estate community. In 1956, with the late Harold Weiser, he co-founded Modern Furniture Rentals, one of the first companies nationally in the furniture rental business. He was President of Modern Furniture Rentals until it was sold in 1983 at which time he retired from active business. A member of Congregation Beth Israel, he was active in several religious, charitable, and community organizations. Sam Shapiro, known as "Poppy" to his 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, was especially dedicated to his family life, which revolved around the weekly Friday night dinners held in Ruth and Sam's home for over 35 years. The resulting family closeness was a constant source of pride and joy for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sonia and Moses Shapiro; his brother, Noah Shapiro; his sisters, Nellie Alpard and Della Schaffer. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ruth Stern Shapiro; children: Carolyn and Dan Krause, Suzanne and Mel Rockoff, Lynn and Armand Shapiro, and Jeri and Marc Shapiro; grandchildren: Marsha and Joe Cohen, Elyse and Randy Frapart, Susan and Richard Frapart, Julie and Rob Lang, Susan and Stuart Rockoff, Karen Rockoff and Gene Gowe, Stefani and Andrew Golub, Jacqueline Redner-Shapiro and Scott Shapiro, Cindy Shapiro, and Stephen Shapiro; 14 great grandchildren; a brother, I. J. Shapiro; a sister, Mollie Bagelman; special cousin, Alice Weiser Berkman; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family wishes to extend our love and appreciation to Racquel Solis for her more than 20 years of devoted service. Also a special thanks to Ludivina Gomez, Nora Sanchez, Janice Anderson, and Dorothy Brown for their compassionate care; as well as to Dr. Robert Luchi and the staff of Baylor Geriatric Medicine Associates. Pallbearers will be Joe Cohen, Randy Frapart, Richard Frapart, Rob Lang, Andrew Golub, Scott Shapiro, Stuart Rockoff, Gene Gowe, Stephen Shapiro, and Gregory Zabel. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2002 at 10:30 A. M. at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood. Rabbi Steven Gross and Cantor Robert Gerber will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096; Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, 6200 N. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77074; Hospice at the Texas Medical Center, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030; or M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.