Obituary of Aaron Ira Shapiro

Our beloved Father, Aaron Shapiro, 85, of Waretown, NJ, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2024. He is
survived by his daughters, Lori Shapiro and her husband, Cary Goldenthal, of Marietta, GA, and
Stephanie Sabin and her husband, David Sabin, of Edison, NJ; his sister-in-law, Ellen Legow and brother--
in-law Donald Legow of Livingston, NJ; his sister-in-law Maxine Shapiro of Boynton Beach, FL; and many
nieces and nephews. He was known as “Grandpa,” his favorite title, to his adoring grandchildren,
Benjamin and Sarah Goldenthal, and Danielle Sabin, on whom he showered unending love and affection.
Aaron was the son of the late Elias Shapiro and the late Sophia Lewis Shapiro of Jersey City, New Jersey,
where he grew up, and had four brothers, Mike, Jerry, Ted, and Melvin, all of whom predeceased him.
He married Susan in 1961 after graduating from Rutgers University. Although they moved around a bit,
they mainly raised their two daughters in East Brunswick, NJ, and shared 61 loving years together. While
raising his family, Aaron worked as a salesman, first in the shoe business and later in basement
waterproofing.
When he and Susan retired, they relocated to Greenbriar in Waretown, NJ. In retirement, Aaron found
his calling – he was a devoted member of the community and took great joy in helping to enhance the
community and improve the lives of others around him. He led the Israeli Club, the Men’s Club, the
Republican Club and the Architectural Review Committee, to name a few. He loved to play golf with his
friends and to travel. A trip to Israel and cruises with the entire family were highlights of his travels.
Aaron was a pillar of strength to our family – he was a constant and loving presence no matter how near
or far we were. He was always available to guide us and share his wisdom with us. He loved to tell us
stories about his life and his family, and he took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow up and
cheering them on for their accomplishments. He was so proud of them! He never missed a chance to
visit with us or attend a performance, share an occasion, or celebrate a birthday. He loved to preside
over our family gatherings for holidays. Words cannot express how much we love him and will miss him.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 11:00 am at Beth Am Shalom, 1235 NJ-70,
Lakewood, NJ 08701, followed by interment at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Iselin, NJ.
Contributions in Aaron’s memory can be made to The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum at this
link: Breman – Website for The Breman Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.