William R. Sapers

Bill Sapers left the world a better place. He took life by the reins and rode it into submission. Never did he back down from a fight or a challenge and he positively impacted everyone he engaged with. Still working well into his 90's, not because he had to, but because he loved the mental challenges and the ability to make a difference in people's lives. As an insurance salesman, estate planner, financial manager, and benefits provider, Bill allowed people to maximize their wealth and take care of those they loved the most. He was not just an "insurance guy", he was an icon in the industry, a trailblazer who revolutionized the relationship between agents and insurers. When the Million Dollar Round Table was not a grand enough achievement, he founded "The Top of the Table" for producers who took the industry to new heights.

Bill's success in the insurance industry tells only part of his life story. He was tirelessly devoted to causes he deemed important. A pillar of the Jewish community, Bill was a two-term campaign chairman of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, served as chairman of the New England Region of the Anti-Defamation League (still on the national board until the very end of his life), and the original chairman of Project Renewal in Israel. In his life-long effort to fight anti-Semitism, he was a major supporter of CAMERA, The David Project, Americans for Peace and Tolerance, and the ADL. In addition to his work in the Jewish community, Bill was vice president of the Roxbury Community College Foundation, raising funds to assist inner-city students. He also chaired the Brookline Democratic Town Committee. As a lay leader to each of these groups, he challenged the professionals to reimagine themselves and improve their organizations. All were better for Bill Sapers' involvement.

Above all, Bill Sapers was a family man. Devoted to his parents, Anne and Abe Sapers, and predeceased by his younger brother, Carl Sapers, Bill was married to Rhoda Sapers for almost 58 years until she died in 2018. Together they raised Michael, Aviva, and David Sapers who, in turn, sired Adam, Josh, Ari, Jay, and Ilan. Life with Bill Sapers was never boring. He introduced the family to skiing at an early age and golf later on. There were many adventures (and misadventures) on the open seas and lots of travel throughout the U.S., Israel, and other parts of the world. Constantly the educator, as every moment was a teaching moment for Bill Sapers, he imparted his wisdom in many ways but mostly by example. Nothing brought him more pride than hearing the latest accomplishments of his kids and grandkids.

Bill's life was full, colorful, and impactful. Today we lost a truly great man.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Avenue, (parking available on the Riverway), Boston on Thursday, December 22 at 10:30 am. Masks are strongly encouraged when indoors at the synagogue and at the shiva. Burial at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon. Shiva to be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to CAMERA, www.camera.org or Americans for Peace and Tolerance, www.peaceandtolerance.org