Stewart A. Shapiro

Stewart Arthur Shapiro, 81, of Houston, peacefully went to sleep on Sunday the 31st of December 2023. He was a very successful entrepreneur, but his professional achievements were greatly eclipsed by his love of Gigi, his Family, the Kids, his dearest Colonneh Club brothers, and all who were blessed to have known him.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was the second son born to his adoring parents Morris Shapiro and Lena Silberman Shapiro. To his loving Mother, he simply could do no wrong, NEVER ever. Three years after Gigi’s marriage to Sweet Stewart, she wrote a letter to his dear Mother thanking her for raising such a beautiful, loving, tender hearted man to be her husband as she knows that they are not “just hatched” that way. He is predeceased by many relatives but most importantly his parents and only brother Donald Shapiro. He is survived by his niece, two nephews, and many cousins.

He excelled in academics but was known to skip a night of study for a great frat party. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, WI, he went to Northwestern University, in Chicago, IL, for his Master’s in Biological Sciences and was a Teaching Assistant in their pre-med courses. He proudly served in the US Army, active and reserves, until he was honorably discharged in January of 1973.

Stewart loved to say that he got to Houston as soon as he could. In the mid-60’s, he started Metrichem, a chemical company, with about $500. As president and CEO, he grew his company to have 85-95% of world market share of his specialty chemicals. Later, with the Metrichem Group, he expanded to fire retardant chemicals and clothing, again controlling 90-100% of US market share. Well known in the industry, he became President of the Fire Retardant Chemical Association of America, spending many years as an officer and on the Board of Directors. He proclaimed that he looked forward to work every day!

Stewart, an indomitable spirit, lit up a room with his amazing smile, laughter, and engaging personality. The first day he met Gigi, September 6th, a Labor Day, he was certain she WOULD be his wife. After many proposals (he claimed 50 times), they were wed on the 26th of November 1982. Oh! too few years to share, but for 41 beautiful, magical years they traveled (109 countries), loved with all their hearts, danced until the last dance, played, cruised, climbed the highest mountains, sat on their balcony at the Bled Hotel overlooking the unforgettable Lake Bled with the little church in the center, castle to the right and the snow-capped Alps behind, and grazed (fine dining) around the world. Their love was a beauty to behold. As recently as two weeks ago, Sweet Stewart was tutoring his male nurses on being a good husband. His advice was “Everyday treat your wife like you were still trying to convince her to marry you. And, don’t forget to bring her roses every week”.

Stewart was not a quiet man, but boldly ever present. He believed strongly that those blessed with resources had an obligation to share in order to try to improve the lives of others. With many community involvements, he was most proud of the work of their Foundation for Habitat & Children. They “adopted” many families showing them the way, hoping and working to insure their success in America. They are living the American Dream as US citizens.

His Colonneh Club, an organization of a maximum of 50 members, is made up of the finest men who were like brothers. Weekly meetings at the River Oaks Country Club were such a joy and fed his soul. He felt honored to serve his beloved club in various officer positions, President and Board Member.

Sweet Stewart is survived by his adoring, loving wife, Glenda “Gigi” Shapiro; loving daughter, Tena E. Swart; and grandson, Brent W. Peate. He also treasures the loving relationship with all the Kids through the Foundation. He strongly believed you could make it a better world…. one life at a time.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation from a quarter to noon until a quarter to one o’clock on Saturday, the 6th of January, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where the funeral service will commence at one o’clock. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. Virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the “Services” section below.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby church parlor.

The interment will follow, via escorted cortege, at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are special brothers of The Colonneh Club: Kenneth Isham, Raymond Betz, William W. Cathriner, Thomas G. Jameson, Dana G. Kirk, Gregory J. Rizzo, Rex H. Wooldridge, and John Zappone.

We recognize with grateful appreciation several of his MDA nurses. While there are others, we particularly appreciate Lili who was so kind, respectful, loving and caring to my precious Stewart; Matthew who knelt by our bed and prayed with us, TK, a sweet caregiver who lovingly cared for us until the end, and Shelby who brought tender care and kindness to our bedside.

The Kids, with the full support of the family, have established the Stewart Arthur Shapiro Scholarship fund. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be made to the University of Houston, Cullen College of Engineering, c/o Margarita Perez, Eng Bldg. 2, Rm E421, 4222 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, Texas 77204-4007 to honor Stewart’s passion for education.

You are invited to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.