Roy S. Schapira

Roy S. Schapira born May 13, 1913 in Chicago, Illinois passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas leaving a legacy of love for his family and honesty in all aspects of his life.

As a young man he held many jobs including working in the garment district in New York and panning for gold.

He finally found his lifetime calling, shared by his wife, Ruth, while living in Corpus Christi, Texas, the produce business. Roy started in the fields and ended his career as an owner of a company, Valley Onions, which during his ownership was the largest onion grower in Texas.

His passion for the produce business knew no bounds and he was honored to be inducted into the Texas Produce Association Hall of Fame, recognized for his contributions of leadership in the Texas produce industry.

One of his many accomplishments in the produce industry was his active participation in the development of the 1015 onion.

In addition to his produce business Roy was a member of the full Board of First State Bank and Trust of Mission, on the Advisory Board of Texas State Bank, active in the McAllen, Texas community where he and Ruth lived for over fifty years, an avid fisherman and a great story teller, holding the attention of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for hours at a time.

Roy is survived by his wife, and partner in all his endeavors, of seventy-two years, Ruth Susser Schapira, daughter, Janet S. Westheimer, and husband, Joe, and son, Dr. Jay N. Schapira, and wife, Phyllis, grandchildren, Michael, Julie and Jeffrey Westheimer and Beth, Jamie, Gwen and Leslie Schapira, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Christina, Deya, Paz and Amanda for their loving care of Roy in his last days.

There will be a graveside service on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Beth El Memorial Park, 1715 Austin Highway at 10:00 a.m. with Rabbi Barry H.D. Block, Rabbi Ari Plost and Cantor Julie Berlin officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a contribution to The Barshop Jewish Community Center 12500 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio, Texas 78231 - attention: Tribute/GM Women's Auxiliary Fund; the Jay N. Schapira MD Medical Research Foundation, Cedars Sinai Medical Office Towers, Suite 750W, 8635 West Third St., Los Angeles, CA. 90048 or the charity of their choice.