Dr. Shapiro was born September 22, 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Stamford, Connecticut where he was a graduate of WestHill High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity College where he was Phi Beta Kappa and received a number of awards in biology. He graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Shapiro completed his internship and residency at Stanford University Hospital where he was Chief Resident from 1992 to 1993. He came to Santa Cruz in 1996 where he joined Dr. Michael Alexander and Dr. James Poth in their medical practice. In addition to his medical practice he served as Clinical Assistant Professor at the Stanford Breast Cancer Clinic. He was Medical Director of Katz Cancer Resource Center and Hospice Caring Project of Santa Cruz. He was on the Board of Directors of the Physicians Medical Group. Dr Shapiro was keenly interested in and worked extensively with the UCSF Foundation for Pediatric IBD.
In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, collecting comic books and especially enjoyed taking his family on the Disney Cruise. He also appreciated fine wines and good food.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Shapiro of Soquel; his son, Matthew Shapiro and daughter, Samantha Shapiro both of Soquel; his mother, Joan Shapiro of Santa Cruz; father, Dr. Robert Shapiro of Miami, Florida; his half brothers and sister, Jamie Shapiro of Florida, Jennifer Shapiro of Chicago and Ian Shapiro of Atlanta;
Services will be at Twin Lakes Church (2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos, CA)Sunday July 24 at 2 pm. Friends are invited to call at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel,(1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz,CA)Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. A private interment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the UCSF Foundation Pediatric IBD Fund. Please mail checks to UCSF Foundation,c/o Faye Ainsworth, P.O. Box 0248, San Francisco, CA 94143-0248. Any questions regarding donations can be directed to Faye at 415-502-6198.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by grateful patients and families.
Carmen Ventura
September 22, 2021
Happy Birthday Dr. Shapiro! We miss you!
Susan Bedford
September 5, 2019
I was a cancer patient of Dr. Shapiro's before he passed and I was just thinking of him after having a not so great recent medical experience. Dr. Shapiro was the kindest and best doctor I have ever had--so many years later, and still being here due to his care. I remember being surprised to be hugged by a doctor, but I soon got quite used to it!! I am still amazed at his unique blend of brilliance and compassion. Such a huge heart he had and what a gift he was to me. I and we were all blessed to have him on this earth!!
Teresa Wahala
June 19, 2018
I still miss you
Teresa Wahala
October 5, 2015
Still miss you so much!!!
Margaret Bowling
January 19, 2015
Dr. Shapiro stayed with my mom all night to monitor her vitals as she was in grave condition with her kidney failure. I will forever hold him dear for his great compassion and I am very saddened to know he has died at such a young age. He was in Houston at the time (87) and I often thought of where he settled with his career. I send belated condolences to his family and loved ones, he truly was a special young man. Margaret Botter Bowling
Jacquie Laskey
January 18, 2006
I wanted to share my thanks and deep appreciation to Dr. Shapiro for the outstanding care he provided to me during my treatments after breast cancer surgery - he always greated me with his warm smile and a hug; gave me the encouragement and hope to look to the future. I will miss your enchanting smile and be forever grateful for your outstanding care. With admiration, Jacquie Laskey
Linda Hersey
October 23, 2005
I have wanted to share my thanks to Dr. Shapiro for the amazing care and support he provided to my mother during the last year of her life. Honestly, I wanted to share this sooner as I just celebrated that last day of my mothers life last weekend, and again this reminds me of how important it is to share your thoughts and feelings as they come up. Dr. Shapiro has remained on my mind since my mothers passing one year ago and when I heard of his passing, I was so sorry, I could tell from my mothers experience, he was an wonderful compansionate man that assisted with making the last year of her life as comfortable as possible. My mother use to tell me of how much he reminded her of my brother, her only son and that said a lot! He sincerely cared about his patience. I can see that the world will be at a loss moving forward.
My condolences to his family and his patients.
Linda Shulman-Hersey
Jackie Maurer
October 9, 2005
My family planted a tree in Dr. Shapiro's honor on our property. There is a plaque that says "In honor of Dr. Shapiro our hero." It is a beautiful tree called a red pansy red bud tree. The leaves are red and heart shaped. In the fall the leaves turn bright orange. Dr. Shapiro saved my son's life in 1998.
mary richards
October 3, 2005
Dearest Shapiro Family,
I knew Rich as a intern and resident at Stanford Hospital, and still remember what a joy he was to work with and what a sense of humor!!Rich, you took such care of my Mom and I will forever be grateful. Continue to show off that beautiful smile and know that so many people miss you.My prayers go out to your family as well as all of us who were privledged enough to know you.
Blessings,
Mary Richards
Gil Ramirez
July 28, 2005
Rich, (Brother-in-law) you don't know how much I'm going to miss you!
God saw you getting tired
so he closed his arms around you
and whispered "come to me"
you didn't deserve what
you went through and so he gave you rest
gods garden must be beautiful
he only takes the best
so when he saw you sleeping
so peaceful and free from pain
he could not wish you back
to suffer that again.
I'm praying for you Cheryl,Samatha,Mathew
Love your Brother,
Carmelita Austin-Schreher
July 27, 2005
What a mystery death is for us. We are all so saddened and shocked at the sudden loss of Dr. Shapiro. Let us all treasure the wonderful memories and keep his legacy alive. That smile, those hugs, what an exceptional doctor-advocate he was for me and the Santa Cruz community. Let us rejoice in the gift of knowing him for the time that he graced this earth.
Patient and
Director of African-American Community Health Group
karen todd
July 26, 2005
I knew of Dr. Shapiro through my sister Peggy, who was one of his patients. I never knew him personally but was always greatful that the good Lord had sent such a wonderful person to look after my precious sister. My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to his immediate family and then to his extended family.....his patients.
cece krasky
July 26, 2005
may god bless you though this
difficult time.Dr.Shapiro has been
such a help to my sister-in-law
Peggy Hamiliton that we have grown to love and cherish how well he
took care of her. I hope it conforts you to know how much the Dr. was loved and needed. our prayers are with you. the krasky family
Cary Shapiro
July 25, 2005
WomenCARE honors Dr. Richard Shapiro. He had the most profound impact on thousands of lives in our community. Many phone calls and emails are being exchanged within the WomenCARE community. The resounding story shares his warmth, compassion, diligence, dedicated interest in each woman’s unique cancer challenge, and making each person feel supported along their journey. Also, what stood out was how amazing it seemed to have Dr. Shapiro call his patients to check in, share news directly, and schedule appointments. His empathy surrounds us as we struggle to add him to our memory instead of our appointment books.
Love from all of us to his family, patients, friends, and colleagues.
-from WomenCARE Clients, Volunteers, Staff, Community Partners, Executive Director and Board of Directors
Cynthia Cerda-Perez
July 25, 2005
Cheryl,
I've been thinking now for a long while, trying to come up with the right words to say, something to comfort you at this time. I realize there is nothing I can do to take away your pain. I will be here whenever you need me to help you through your grief.
My friend, I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your children. I will keep you in my prayers.
Stacy Laird
July 24, 2005
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Dr Shapiro's death. I am a former employee of SCMC and dealt with Dr Shapiro with many of our patients. What I remember is his warmth and caring attitude,and he always had a smile on his face. My thoughts are with with his family, staff, friends, patients and the community at this difficult time
Connie Fournier
July 24, 2005
To Rich's wife and children, Dr. Alexander, his staff and Stanford Oncology Group. I worked at the Oncology Day Care Center at Stanford for 17 yrs as the Asst. Clinic Manager and began my friendship with Rich when he entered the fellowship program in the Onc Group. He brought such a joy to those he treated along with those that worked beside him. I feel fortunate to have worked and known him. I was shocked to hear of his sudden death. Rich's smile, humor, compassion and empathy for those he touched will be ingrained in my heart always. I so enjoyed him as one of the great "fellows" and as a part of our oncology family. I can still hear his wonderful laugh and jokes and I will remember him always. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife and children....you were so lucky to have him in your lives, even though so short lived. My heart if broken to hear of his loss.
peggy hamilton
July 23, 2005
Dr.Shapiro was the man. He lifted me up.What can I say about such a wonderful man.He was my blanket.I will miss him badly, who will take care of me as he did.He went way beyond caring for me.I pray for his family.I pray for every one who's life he touched.This is a very sad time.I will miss him, love Peggy Hamilton
Marcia Miller
July 23, 2005
My sincere sympathy to the family and office staff of Dr. Shapiro's. I so admire Dr. Shapiro's compassion & devotion to the Hospice cause, & he was such a talented & passionate speaker at DSCH G.R. We're all stunned & in shock by his sudden demise. He really won't be "Gone & forgotten"!
Tracy Peters
July 23, 2005
My heart & mind is finding it so difficult to accept the loss of Dr. Shapiro. My thoughts are continually thinking of his family. I am a previous employee of DR. Poth, Alezander & Shapiro's office. I worked at the office when Dr. Shapiro first started practicing there. He was such a "bright light" to the office. His humor was a joy to hear & see. My heart hurts for his family. I hope you can find some comfort in the thoughts & prayers that are with you.
Scotty Douglass
July 23, 2005
Hello Everyone,
A personal Guestbook was set up at the following address:
http://www.three-amigos.com/drshapiro Feel free to redirect your postings to that website in the future if you would like. Thank you,
-Scotty Douglass
Edith Lombardi
July 23, 2005
I'm shocked by Drs.loss he will greatly missed. He was such a wonderful man.
Irene Hruska
July 23, 2005
I also am a sister of (Peggy Hamilton), Dr. Shapiro was really loved by my sister, I live in Texas, and my sister would tell me what a wonderful doctor he was, she was very secure in his care, he will be deeply missed by a lot of his patients, I'm sure, God Bless His Family,
Eddie and Irene Hruska
Irene Hruska
July 23, 2005
I also am a sister of (peggy Hamilton), Dr. Shapiro was really loved by my sister, I lve in Texas, and my sister would tell me what a wonderful doctor he was, she was very secure in his care, he will be deeply missed by a lot of his patients, I,m sure, God Bless His Family,
Eddie and Irene Hruska
Ron Brancatelli RN
July 22, 2005
Dr.Shapiro will always be remembered for his kind words and great smile, he will be greatly missed by all. My prayers go out to him, his patients and his family.
Janet Ring
July 22, 2005
My heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Shapiro's family, colleagues, friends, and patients. I was privileged to meet Dr. Shapiro when I took my friend Susan in for her visit. He gave her so much hope and wonderful care. He shared an office with my oncologist, Dr. Poth, and my heart goes out to all who will so miss his presence.
PAULA PIEDRA-MARTINEZ
July 22, 2005
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF DR. SHAPIRO. I BECAME ONE OF HIS PATIENTS 2 YRS. AGO, WHEN I WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER.
DR. SHAPIRO WILL FOREVER BE MY SUPER HERO. ALWAYS FULL OF LIFE AND ALWAYS WITH THE GREAT SMILE HE ONLY KNEW HOW TO GIVE. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM. TO ALL OTHER PATIENTS: HIS LEGACY OF POSITIVENESS AND STRENGTH OF HEALING IS WHAT HE WOULD OF LIKED US TO CONTINUE STRIVING FOR.
QUE DIOS TE TENGA EN LA GLORIA DOCTOR SHAPIRO. CON MUCHO AMOR SIEMPRE, PAULA PIEDRA-MARTINEZ (35 YRS. OLD)
marsha wada
July 22, 2005
"the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart"- Helen Keller" Dr. Richard Shapiro gave all of his patients his heart and helped all of us through the most difficult time of our lives. How fortunate we were to have such a caring and loving person to take us through such a trying time. He will be missed by all of his patients, but always remembered for his smile and optimism. A grateful patient, Marsha Wada
stephanie ivanov
July 22, 2005
To Dr. Shapiro's family, He was a gifted, brilliant man with a heart of gold, I am so sad to hear of this sudden loss. May God bless and heal your broken hearts.
Donna Potoski
July 22, 2005
To his family, my deepest sympathy for your loss and for the loss to the Santa Cruz community. My battle with colon cancer was won because of the loving care from Dr. Shapiro, he was always there to help me push on. He listened and smiled no matter what. His smile will be remembered by everyone that knew him.
May God be with you.
Tanya Hanton
July 22, 2005
I am so saddened and shocked at the sudden loss of Dr. Shapiro, who was my oncologist and a friend to both me and my husband. I always think of him as "Dr. Sunshine" as that is how the women in my cancer suport group "annonymously" referred to him. I just passed my 5-year cancer-free anniversary. Thank you Dr. Sunshine! You will always be in my heart and your family, patients, and friends will be in my prayers. Happy trails! With love, Tanya
STAFF @DR'S POTH,ALEXANDER AND SHAPIRO
July 22, 2005
WE ARE DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE SUDDEN LOSS OF OUR HERO SUPERMAN.
HE ALWAYS MADE US FEEL AS PART OF HIS FAMILY. IT'S BEEN EXTREAMLY DIFICULT TO WALK INTO THE OFFICE WITHOUT HIM BEING THERE WITHOUT HEARING HIS VOICE AND LAUGHTER .THE OFFICE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT OUR TIGGER BOUNCING OF THE WALLS.YOU WILL ALLWAYS BE MISSED AND REMEMBERED FOR YOU HAVE BEEN THE BEST BOSS (FRIEND)WE'LL EVER HAVE!!!
Sharon Dirnberger
July 22, 2005
My heart goes out to all who are touched by this tragic loss: Dr. Shapiro's family and friends, his wonderful mother Joan, his colleagues, his staff, and all of his patients, of whom I am one. Several of us from WomenCare call him "Dr. Smiley" for his infinite good humor. His compassionate care made a frightening journey so much less so. His smiles and hugs will be greatly missed. Dr. Shapiro, you already have a room in my "heart hotel"; may your smile continue to warm us from heaven.
Vickie Unruh
July 22, 2005
To the Shapiro children,
We always called your father Dr. Smiley in my cancer support group because he greeted us with smiles & bear hugs. There are many Breast Cancer survivors here because of his positive attitude, which was infectious, & his brilliant expertise. I am so saddened for all of us & that he will not be there to see you grow. He always spoke about you & how proud he was of you both.
Lori Bayle
July 22, 2005
I was saddened and shocked to hear of the loss of Dr.Shapiro. He was one of my uncles' doctors and he was so wonderful to him. My uncle was in constant pain but enjoyed his visits with Dr.Shapiro. Dr. would always admire my uncles' clothes, especially his ties. He was a very caring doctor and friend to my uncle and aunt. He will be missed-what a loss. My best to his family and friends. Lori
Renee - Candia Family
July 22, 2005
I am so sorry for Dr. Shapiro and his family that his life was taken away. For my family he was our warrior against cancer. He was our navigator through the journey we have been on since our Wife/Mom was diagnosed some 10 years ago. We miss him dearly and will never forget the care he has given to her. A nurse we spoke with yesterday said 'he had a way of taking the fear away for his patients' . For us, Dr. Shapiro was truly an amazing physician. His compassion, dedication, and his positive spirit will live on with love in our memories forever.
Andrea Eaton
July 22, 2005
I worked for Dr. Shapiro for 3 years and wanted to send my deepest condolences to Cheryl, Joan, Sam, Matthew, and everyone in the office. He was a blessing to us all. Remember to smile like he always did and always laugh...
Hetty Christensen
July 22, 2005
My heart and prayers go out to Dr. Shapiro's lovely family that he loved so very much.
Our whole community will feel the loss of such a caring Dr.
Denise Lee
July 22, 2005
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Shapiro's family. I am deeply saddened and shocked. Dr. Shapiro helped me to feel hopeful when I was first facing cancer. He was so young and surely gave his best for his patients.
Jill Litz
July 22, 2005
My heart goes out to Dr. Shapiros family. He treated my nephew Jimmy when he was only 17. They shared a special bond and I feel honored that he was my nephews Dr. and that they bonded so well over many things. I had the pleasure of meeting him when Jimmy had his last Chemo treatment. He seemed very caring and had a great sense of humor and way about him. I know he will be truly missed. I thank him with all my heart and soul for taking such good care of our Jimmy.
Sara Schell
July 22, 2005
I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Dr. Shapiro. I became a patient of his when I developed a blood clot in my leg 2 years ago. He walked me through the treatment and turned what started out as a scary situation into a manageable condition, through his sense of humor, his generosity of time and spirit, and a smile that told you everything would be okay. He will be truly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Pat Howard
July 22, 2005
I am very sorry for the families loss. Dr. Shapiro was my sister's oncologist and was the most caring and giving doctor. Peggy (my sister) felt so safe and positive under his care. I am very sad for my sister and all the patients who have lost this great doctor, who was like a warm security blanket. He will be missed by all who knew him, as he touched so many lives.
Judy Jensen
July 22, 2005
I am a former patient of Dr. Shapiro's. I have never met a more gifted,caring and loving doctor. He alway took the time for me no matter how long it took. His wonderful smile and hugs we remain in my heart forever. My heart goes out to all of you. You will be in my prayers. On Sunday at 2PM I will go down to the lake and find a quiet place to pray. I wish I was there to attend the service.
Dorothy Emmons
July 22, 2005
I am a patient of four years with Dr. Shapiro. I will always remember his tender ways and reassurance. My sadness for his family, my heart goes out to them. Sincerely.
Sue Rummonds
July 22, 2005
I felt shock and despair at the news of Dr. Shapiro's passing away. He has been my doctor and friend for the past 8 years. I always looked forward to seeing his bright smile and receiving a big bear hug goodbye until our next 6 mo. visit. I am sure he will be greatly missed by his medical colleagues and his patients that depended on him for so much. My prayers and thoughts are with his family, he always spoke so fondly of them. We will all miss this great human being.
Kathy Harley
July 22, 2005
To Dr. Shapiro’s family go my deepest sympathy. You must know that you shared an incredible gift with all those he touched. While treating my son, I can still feel his warm hug as he said to me, “Don’t worry Mom, we’re going to beat this.” He was always there for reassurance and action at a moment’s notice – positive, upbeat, and brilliant. The best you could hope for when facing a life-threatening disease. I feel honored to have known such a remarkable person, and feel great loss for what he brought to so many lives.
Lucy Sierra
July 22, 2005
My family will pray for Dr. Shapiro, his family and all of his patients as well.
Dr. Shapiro cared for my mother, Nubia Moctezuma this past year. He encouraged her and pushed her when she was scared and uncertain. He made her confident about her therapy and always made her smile. My mother adores him!
Our family will never forget his support towards my mother, during the toughest episode in her life. He will always live in our hearts.
Dolores Lynch
July 22, 2005
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to Dr. Shapiro's family. He was my oncologist for four and one half years and I could not have asked for a better Doctor, nor a kinder, gentler, or a happier, smiling face than what Dr. Shapiro gave me. He is certainly missed in my life.
Ruth Walker
July 22, 2005
Rich was my oncologist. I am deeply shocked and saddened at his passing. He was a warm, sweet, caring person who had a keen sense of humor. No matter how dire the situation seemed, he would keep me uplifted with his wacky sense of humor which I so appreciated. He was so much more than a doctor to me. I feel I've lost a dear friend. Not only do I feel this as a huge personal loss, but as a loss to our community. I wish peace and strength to his family and friends.
Glenn Keet
July 22, 2005
Rich -
You are too funny, irreverent, jubilent and zestful not to be with us any more. We will always remember you smiling, as that is how we invariably witnessed you. Our deepest condolences to all who loved you.
Glenn and Bonnie Keet
Rob Trumbull
July 22, 2005
My deepest sympathies go out to the family of this wonderful man. Dr. Shapiro was more than my oncologist, he was a friend. With a rare sense of humor he guided me through the most frightening ordeal of my life. I remember when he dressed in his Tigger costume he made a lot of people laugh....I can't help but think he is laughing right now as angels dressed in their "Tigger" costumes line the streets of heaven to honor Richard.
Jackie Maurer
July 22, 2005
My heart is broken. Dr. Shapiro was my son Jim's oncologist. He helped us through the hardest time in our lives with care and humor. My son adored him and looked forward to every visit with him. Jim was only 17 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He is now 23- alive and well. He shared the same taste in music, video games and sense of humor with Dr. Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro is our hero and we are honored and priveleged to have known such a special man. Our hearts go out to his family whom he loved so much.
Cristina Martinez
July 22, 2005
I had the honor of meeting Dr. Shapiro through my mother. He was her oncologist and made her feel like she was his only patient. He always had a smile for her. He did have the biggest heart and we will all miss him terribly. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, coleagues and patients.
Susan Harrison
July 22, 2005
Dr. Shapiro was my oncologist for the past year. He was my shining star and my mirror for joy. He never allowed me to be negative and kept everything on the positive. He kept me joking and laughing and I miss him so much. My heart goes out to his family, friends, staff and other patients.
Joanne Pele
July 22, 2005
My heart is just broken over the loss of Dr. Shapiro. My deepest condolences go out to his family and patients. He was a ray of light to my family as he treated my newphew Jim. He saved his life and we are all so grateful to him. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at the ACS Relay for Life as well as working with him at Dominican and I will never forget what a very special man he was. God bless.
Jane & Carlos Arcangeli
July 22, 2005
Cheryl, Samantha, and Matthew,
We are so sorry for your loss. You were our first friends when we moved here and have valued your friendship throughout the years. We are here for you all in any way you may need. I pray that the angels assist you during this time of need.
You are in our prayers and thought,
The Arcangeli's
Johnny McGuire
July 22, 2005
Richard Shapiro saved my wifes life through his medical brilliance and his unrivaled emotional caring. He went over and above for everyone. He even cared for my mother who is sick with cancer in New Zealand. we are shocked and stunned - this seems too unjust for words. Kindest regards for his dear family.
Chris Perry
July 22, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Shapiro was a wonderful human being and will always be remembered as a kind, and caring doctor. His friendly smile and easy manner will never be forgotten. He always had time for me and my family inside and outside his office. He will be deeply missed by everyone he touched. My deepest sympathy to you, his family.
Carrie Jett
July 22, 2005
My deepest thoughts and prayers for Dr. Shapiro's family, friends and patients. He cared for my mom, Carolina Jones, for 4 years and he undenibly had a heart of gold. He was so caring and gentle, treated her like she was his only patient. How could someone so wonderful that does so much good be taken from us. I just think of the wonderful welcoming I know he received from my mom and his other patients. There are no comforting words, but I am thinking of you. Thank you for your time Dr. Shapiro, you will be missed.
shana dimartino
July 22, 2005
my deepest condolences to the family.Richard was my mother's oncologist,he was a compassionate human being with a huge heart.I also had the chance to know Richard through dominican hospital where i work in E.R.Again i am very sorry for your loss,god bless you all
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