Irwin Shanes

Irwin Shanes, a devoted educator, union leader, and deeply loved family man, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, in Floral Park, New York. He was 95 years old.

Born on June 7, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Anna Goldstein Shanes and Jacob Shanes, Irwin grew up with a love of learning and a strong sense of purpose. After losing his father at a young age, he made the life-shaping decision to turn from pre-med to education, choosing a path of service that would define the rest of his life. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Education from Brooklyn College and a Master’s in Education and Supervision from NYU, beginning a remarkable career dedicated to helping others grow.

Irwin began as a science teacher and went on to serve as an assistant principal and program writer for special education at the New York City Board of Education. He later became principal of PS 75 in Queens, a special education school, where he brought compassion, leadership, and steady guidance to a challenging and important role. In 1963, Irwin was among the founding members who established the Council of Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), the union representing New York City school principals, supervisors, and administrators. Over the years, he held many leadership positions and became a trusted and respected voice within the organization.

What was meant to be a six-month temporary role became a second career—and truly a calling—when Irwin became administrator of CSA’s medical benefits program. For more than three decades, and until the age of 78, he led the program with vision and care, designing innovative health benefits for his colleagues and founding CSA’s Retiree Chapter. Through his tireless efforts, retired union members were given an enduring voice in collective bargaining with New York City and within the national AFL-CIO.

Irwin also served his country proudly during the Korean War. Drafted at age 19, he trained as a medic and graduated with honors from his class. Stationed in New York City as a lab technician on Church Street, he contributed to vital medical efforts with the same quiet dedication that marked every chapter of his life.

Irwin shared an extraordinary love story with his beloved wife, Phyllis. They met on a double-date picnic, where Phyllis was dating a friend of Irwin's and Irwin was there on a blind date with someone else. Yet by the end of the day, it was Irwin who had captured her heart. When Phyllis came home, her mother asked how things went on her date and Phyllis replied, “Okay—but I really like his chubby friend.”

Irwin was just as taken with Phyllis. Knowing the neighborhood where she lived, he walked around carrying pictures from that picnic, hoping somehow to find her again. Fortunately for Irwin, he found her. They soon began dating, and just six months later, Irwin was Phyllis’s Sweet 16 date.

From the very beginning, the love they shared was unmistakable. They were married for nearly 60 years, building a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and deep affection. Phyllis was Irwin’s greatest cheerleader, and when he became the first president of the retiree union’s new chapter, she proudly called herself the “First Lady.”

In 1957, Irwin and Phyllis began another meaningful chapter together when they started a summer camp in the Catskills called Camp Karefree. What began simply as a way for them to earn extra money toward a down payment on a home became something far more lasting. Through their warmth, leadership, and gift for connecting with young people, they created a camp experience that left a deep impression on generations of campers and teenage counselors. For many of those counselors and campers, Camp Karefree helped inspire a future in education. The love people felt for the camp—and for Irwin and Phyllis—was clear when Irwin discovered that his former campers and counselors had been having annual reunions to celebrate the memories and friendships that had endured. After more than 50 years since the camp’s inception, Irwin was the surprise guest at the reunion in 2010. He was greeted with screams and cheers, a testament to the legend he was to them.

Outside of work, Irwin found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, playing bridge, and traveling to America’s national parks as well as around the world. These passions reflected his curiosity, his appreciation for the beauty of the world, and his joy in sharing meaningful experiences with the people he loved.

Irwin was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis Silver Shanes; his parents; and his sister, Evelyn Shanes Bloom. He is survived by his loving children: daughter Cynthia Shanes Bobrow (Mark Bobrow), son Jeffrey Shanes (Jacqueline Reznick Shanes), and daughter Nancy Shanes. He also leaves behind his seven cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Bobrow Hipsman (Joshua Hipsman), Jennifer Bobrow, Matthew Shanes (Sarah Scheinholtz Shanes), and Andrew Shanes (fiancée Karly Katchen), as well as his three adored great-grandchildren, Ethan Hipsman, Eliana Hipsman, and Jesse Shanes.

Irwin’s legacy reaches far beyond his professional accomplishments. He touched the lives of countless students, educators, colleagues, friends, caregivers, and family members with his wisdom, generosity, humor, and kindness. At his core, Irwin was always a teacher—not only in the classroom, but in the way he lived: by guiding, encouraging, and caring for others. He will be remembered with love, gratitude, and deep admiration by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May Irwin Shanes’ memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who loved him.

A Funeral Service will be held on March 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Sanctuary of Abraham and Sarah (Cedar Park & Beth El Cemeteries), 735 Forest Avenue. The service will be available via a livestream, and will also be recorded for later viewing.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following

The Irwin Shanes CSA Scholarship fund

Make checks payable to:

The Irwin Shanes CSA Scholarship fund HS Students for Career and Technical Education and Mail checks to

CSA

40 Rector Street 12 floor

NYC, NY 10006.

Attn Saida Tabone Rodriquez

OR

The Springfield First Aid Squad

Mail checks to Springfield First Aid Squad, 10 North Trivett Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081.

or you can go online at https://www.springfieldfas.org/support/donations/