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EUGENE SHIRO Obituary


  
EUGENE LOUIS SHIRO (Age 78)  
Eugene Louis Shiro died peacefully in his home in Northwest, Washington, DC Sunday December 13, 2015. Dr. Shiro was a dedicated professor of English at the University of the District of Colombia until his retirement in 2013. Prior to that he was an administrator at both Georgetown and American Universities. His most important role was as a devoted and loving father to his two children, Martha Vicas and Timothy Shiro and his three grandchildren, Alex, Natalie and Dan Vicas. He was a kind and gracious friend to so many others and he will be missed. A memorial service will be held at the Little Sanctuary on the grounds of the St. Albans School Saturday, December 19 at 2 p.m., 3001 Mount St. Alban, NW Washington, DC 20016.

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for EUGENE SHIRO

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Norman Gross Jr

May 15, 2025

Rest in peace professor Shiro. You taught me well at UDC where I received my bachelor's and master's degree.

Evelyn Lucas

January 17, 2019

It was so sad to hear of the passing of professor shiro. I tried to find him several years ago but was not success. He was a very good mentor to me and my son. He was a very gentle person with a very outstanding personality. Always there to help you. I had not been in school since high school and he helped me with my grammar ( I had a southern slurr ) and had to pronounce words more accurately. He wea surely an inspiration to me. He will be missed

Carolyn Griffin

December 28, 2015

I am so stunned to hear of Gene's passing. What a kind and gentle soul. He was such a loyal subscriber at my theatre, MetroStage in Alexandria. He always showed such respect and enthusiasm for the work on our stage. It was always lovely to have him in our audience. Sending our love and condolences to his family. From his MetroStage family---Carolyn, Producing Artistic Director, and Chris who took such good care of him as box office manager.

Jacqueline Jackson

December 24, 2015

What wonderful, wonderful memories I have of Gene. He was a dedicated educator and someone who lent me a very helpful hand during my first year at UDC-CC. I will never forget him. He will be greatly missed!!

Vivian Booker

December 20, 2015

My friend Gene, it was a pleasure to have met and known you. Your charm and style I'll always remember. I know in my heart that God received you with open arms. Thank you for being my friend.

Carl & Jacqueline Cundiff

December 18, 2015

2006 in Venice: we got to know Gene for the gentleman and scholar that he was. He will be remembered as one of the nicest and most courteous people we have ever met.

Heather Graham

December 17, 2015

Gene was one of the most thoughtful people I have ever known. He was dear to my whole family, especially my mother, The Rev. Margaret M. Graham. Ten years ago he was spending every afternoon visiting us at the hospital as we cared for our mom. He came every day for many weeks, whether we had time to visit with him or not, just to support us and pray for her. Just one of the many ways he touched our lives deeply. I had a wonderful time with Gene in March when I was back to DC briefly from California. I so wish I could come to the service at St. Alban's on Saturday. Martha and family, all the Grahams are with you in spirit, hoping that your dad and my mom are catching up and laughing together, as always.

Dorothy Phaire

December 17, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gene's family. He always had a kind word for everyone and remained supportive of students and colleagues throughout his tenure at UDC. He will be greatly missed.

Ginger Griffin

December 17, 2015

I remember Professor Shiro because he was so generous in supporting my concert for S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat). I'm sure UDC fondly misses him.
-Ginger Griffin, Daughter of UDC Professor Dr. Elsie A. Williams

Carter Foreman

December 17, 2015

Gene was really a nice person

Peter Ufland

December 17, 2015

I met Gene when I first came to U.D.C. as an adjunct professor. Gene was my first advocate at the college, and I have no doubt that he lent whatever influence he had in helping me secure a full time position. He was an good friend, an outstanding professor, and most importantly, an excellent human being. He will be missed.

Chester Wright

December 17, 2015

Gene and were colleagues at Washington Technical Institute and the University of the District of Colombia. Always a gentleman, and friend.

Brian Kapfer

December 17, 2015

The valet team at 1789 Restaurant will always remember Mr. Shiro as a very thoughtful, kind, and gentle man. We looked forward to his visits; he always made time for a kind word for us, even if his beautiful Volvo was delayed. Amanuel, Eskinder, Mamushet, and Brian.

Fred Zrinscak

December 16, 2015

RIP good friend - you contributed to many students advancement and took time to enjoy your life.

Edy Quinlan

December 16, 2015

Rest in Peace Uncle Gene. You were loved and respected by so many. Your passing was too soon and you will be truly missed. Mike and I have great memories while we lived in Arlington, you were always kind and gracious to us. Always willing to lend a helping hand. Prayers for your family so that they may get through these difficult times.

December 16, 2015

Gene was an elegant host and a thoughtful friend.
Paula Carter

ELLIE SHORB

December 16, 2015

We were privileged to have met this incredibly kind man through Bob and Martha Vicas. Our family sends love and support to all who knew him best. Much love, Ellie, John, Jack and Catherine

Denise Slaughter

December 16, 2015

I had only known Professor Shiro for the last six years, but he was the kind of man who you could meet and feel you have known so much longer. It was so obvious that he took his role at the University seriously and truly enjoyed his work, which might explain his easy-going disposition. He was such a gentle man in the truest sense of the word, and I'm sure he served as a role model for many, whether he knew it or not. My deepest sympathies to Professor Shiro's family, friends, and former students and colleagues at UDC.

Anne Shiro

December 16, 2015

I have great memories of Uncle Gene growing up and had a long wonderful conversation with him recently and it was just fantastic. He will be missed greatly.

Kimberly Beavers and Family

December 16, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Gene through my brother and from the many stories told and my personal encounters, he will be missed dearly by so many. His friendship brought love and laughter and it was always comforting to know that my brother had such a great friend for so many years. My family's thoughts and prayers are with Gene's family at this time.

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