Gregory Charles Shapiro

He was born May 29, 1941, in Portland, to Bernard David and Freda (Klayman) Shapiro. Greg grew up in Biddeford. He attended local schools and graduated from Gould Academy and The University of Maine in 1961, where he earned a B.A. in history and government.

Greg joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and proudly served his country until 1966.

Greg married Tanya Fogelsohn in Brookline, Mass., in 1966. Greg and Tanya just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Florida, with their children and grandchildren at their side.

They were longtime residents of Falmouth, and members of Temple Beth El in Portland.

Greg was an officer of Union Oil Company and served as the president and CEO for 40 years. Greg served as a director of Maine Oil Dealers, director and vice president of New England Fuel Institute, trustee of Gould Academy, and a director of Key Bank for over 25 years.

Greg served Cedars Nursing Home as director, capital campaign chair and chairman of the board. He also served on the Susan Curtis Foundation. He was a longtime member of The Portland Country Club in Falmouth and was an avid golfer.

In 2001, Greg received the Spurwink Humanitarian of the Year Award, in recognition as a benefactor and advisor to many charitable and civic organizations that crossed cultural and religious lines.

Greg was a true philanthropist. He was known as the "Gentle Giant" by all. He had a kind and generous heart. He was devoted to family, friends, employees and community.

He is survived by his devoted wife Tanya, of Palm City, Fla.; his three children: Jaime Shapiro Berg and her husband Jonathan Berg, of Portland; Adam Joshua Shapiro and his wife Jennifer Shapiro, of Falmouth; and Jill Ellen Shapiro, of Portland.

Greg leaves four beloved grandchildren: Anna Ruby Shapiro, Sofia Lila Shapiro, Bennett William Berg and Jonah Carswell-Shapiro.

He was predeceased by his younger brother, Howard Shapiro. In addition to Howard's wife Diane, Greg is survived by his sister-in-law Rhoda and her husband Gerry Green; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

His family was the joy of his life and he will be deeply missed.

Services will be held at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave. in Portland, on Monday, March 20, at 1 p.m., with burial at Temple Beth El Memorial Park. Following the burial, a reception will be held at the Portland Country Club, Foreside Road, Falmouth. Shiva will be held at 66 Foreside Rd., in Falmouth, on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send your remembrances to:

Bernard and Greg C. Shapiro Gerontological Education and Research Funds

The Cedars

630 Ocean Avenue

Portland, ME 04103