Edward "Ted" Stephen Shapack
July 9, 1948 - January 19, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward "Ted" Stephen Shapack on the morning of January 19, 2023. While we are sad to say goodbye, we are proud to reflect on and celebrate his extraordinary life. Several years ago, Ted was diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare degenerative brain disease. Ted passed away in his home, surrounded by his family.
Ted was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on July 9, 1948. He was the youngest son of Harry Leon Shapack and Ruth Levison Shapack. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rutgers University, and his law degree from Tulane University.
Ted was kind and passionate. He had many interests, including books, classical music, opera, amateur radio, and politics. He was also a self-proclaimed collector of "useless facts," which served him well when watching Jeopardy or keeping a dinner conversation interesting. Ted had a sharp sense of humor and possessed an arsenal of jokes he relished in sharing with those in his orbit.
Ted's genuine interest in others and keenness to help-even those he barely knew-made him unforgettable. Ted practiced law in Charlotte for 36 years, 25 as a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. He served the NC and Mecklenburg County Bars in several leadership positions, including ethics and fee-dispute-related appointments. He particularly enjoyed his time as Chair of the NC Bar Candidate Committee, where he interviewed new applicants taking the bar exam.
Ted was also an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church and embodied the Catholic tenet of giving back. In recent years, he became a "big brother" with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas. His life will continue to inspire and guide us for generations.
Ted delighted in his family and leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Claire Kountz Shapack; his children, Addie Claire Jones (Jeremy) and Griffith Lee Shapack (Casey); his brothers, Richard Allan Shapack (Harriet) and Arnold Robert Shapack (Nancy); and his beloved grandsons Jack Griffith Jones and Frank Ellis Shapack.
Ted's family appreciates the loving support they have received from family, friends, colleagues, and healthcare providers.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church (507 S Tryon St) in Charlotte on Friday, January 27th at 10 AM, with a reception to follow. For those wishing to make memorial contributions, Ted admired the missions of both St. Peter Catholic Church and The Salvation Army.

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

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jan. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Shapack

23 Entries

Elvira McCall

April 25, 2025

I just read about attorney Shapack passing. He was an excellent attorney and would help anyone that needed help, he would work for equality and justice for all race creed and color, he won every case or situation I brought to him. I was a single mom, and he helped me to win justice for myself and my children. I will forever remember his service and ethics, he did have a lot of humor. My prayers go out to his wife and entire family. He can not be replace. He is one of a kind . He exemplified the character of Christ.
Elvira McCall

Cynthia Ann Aziz

March 23, 2023

Claire,
As you know Ted and I were suite mates when I began practicing law in NC. This uncanny happenstance blossomed into a friendship, mentorship and so much more of over 30 years. Ted always had time to answer or guide me to an answer oy help me work through a ethical quandary. He was a lawyer's lawyer and a true friend. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Katy Hoh

February 26, 2023

A mutual friend recommended that I contact Ted when I was going through my divorce. Ted was so important to help me navigate that time in my life. I will never forget his kindness, humor, wisdom and brilliant advice. He made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my daughters. I am sorry that I did not get to tell him this, and to his family I hope that you take some comfort in knowing that he made the world a better place for me and I am sure many others.

Kimberly Best

January 31, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a beloved Family Law Attorney and member of the bar. I last saw you and Ed at the memorial service for Billie Ellerbe where Ed thanked me for a beautiful service. He was always kind, nice and pleasant. Of course, any friend of Billie's was a friend of mine. Blessings to you and your family.

Suk Chan

January 29, 2023

Dear Claire,

I am very sorry for your loss. It happens that, when I googled your info, I found out that your husband, Ted, just passed away. I knew you two worked together and Ted probably helped my case indirectly. I'm sure he was just as kind, professional and caring as you are. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Take care.

Your friends at CTK

Planted Trees

Lindsey Barton

January 26, 2023

My condolences to the family. Ted was always a joy to be around. His whit and genuine smile were always welcoming.

Duane Couch

January 26, 2023

Dear Claire, I am so saddened by the news of Ted´s death. What a lovely man he was! I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with him and you after mass. There was always a smile on his face which he spread to others. Know that my prayers are with you and your family.
Duane Couch

Tim and Joan Wood

January 26, 2023

Claire and family,
We are so sad to hear about Ted, so many fond memories of him when he came to the courthouse. May God grant you peace and comfort.

Ben S. Thalheimer

January 25, 2023

Claire, Addie and Griff:
Let me offer my sympathies on your loss and echo the sentiments expressed in the obituary and the remarks of other friends. Ted loved the law and more than that he loved justice. He always tried to do the right thing. He routinely offered assistance to new lawyers and in my case, new judges. No one will ever know how many times he assisted struggling indigent parents in providing advice and ghost-writing documents to get them through the court system. His other love was his family. When we got together, not nearly often enough, the conversation would always swing back and forth between our children and some legal issue. He will be missed and remembered for his good works by me and no doubt the members family law legal community.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

ProTeam Industrial Services

Sent Flowers

Sheila Passenant

January 25, 2023

Claire, Addie and Griff,
For years Ted shared his legal acumen, sharp wit, pithy quotes and warm and giving spirit with those of us lucky enough to have practiced family law with him. What a gift he was to all of us. I feel blessed to have known him as a friend and colleague. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. May he rest in peace.

Deb Dilman

January 24, 2023

Claire and the rest of your family - I am so sad to learn this news. Ted was such an inspiration to me and many others. We will all miss him. Thinking about you and hoping you find peace. Hugs

Theresa Viera

Planted Trees

Marsha Kennedy

January 24, 2023

Ted was a wonderful friend and mentor. I will miss him dearly. Marsha Kennedy

Haley Coughlin + Sam Spanjian

Planted Trees

Mary Carrigan

January 24, 2023

Claire, Addie and Griff,
I am so saddened by Ted´s death. He was my friend as well as a colleague. Over the years we socialized at Family Law section meetings where I could see the kids grow. He was so proud of you. Then, there were the moments serving together on the Rules committee. He was always positive that we could improve or fix things and he worked hard to make that happen. He will be missed by so many.
Mary Carrigan

Laura Burt

January 23, 2023

Claire - I am so sorry. Ted was a wonderful person, friend and attorney. He is sorely missed.

Robert and Sharon

January 23, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Tom

January 22, 2023

Ted was a man of velvet who sought peace ,diplomacy , and common sense to avoid the courtroom.Yet a man of steel when he fearlessly represented God´s sheep who sometimes were lost, without hope, but for Ted´s filing an appearance in their cause. I know where he is and you can bet he is still Ted.

Alan Krusch

January 22, 2023

Ted was my friend and fellow Jersey boy, ally in life, esteemed adversary in court, finally a co-worker at law. May his memory be a blessing. Amen.

Ed Ham

January 22, 2023

So sorry to hear about this, Claire. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alan Kaplan

January 22, 2023

He was my friend, and I will miss him. I hope that your fond memories of Ted help sustain you through this difficult time.

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