Alfred Shapero

Alfred “Al” Shapero died peacefully at home overlooking his mountain view in Charlottesville, Virginia, in the early morning hours of January 22, 2024. Al was born in New York City on November 23, 1926. He grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan playing stickball and handball and participating in Boy Scouts, where he learned how to swim and how to be comfortable in the woods. Due to his mother’s rheumatoid arthritis, he spent much of his youth in the company of his paternal grandmother, who baked every week and instilled in him a love of apple pie and the ability to make a good loaf of bread.

Al graduated from the McBurney School in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy at 17, serving on the U.S.S. Stickell as a Radioman Third Class in the waning days of WW2. He then attended Drew University, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Political Science, and the Harvard Business School, graduating in 1953. He followed his Drew friends to Washington, D.C., and found a job in retailing at Woodward & Lothrop, where he met his future wife, Kathryn Peters, who had grown up on a farm in Aspers, Pennsylvania. They married in 1956 and enjoyed family life together until her death in 1993.

Al worked for the IBM Corporation for 26 years, retiring in 1987 as IBM Director of Financing. He then took a retirement job as Vice President of Finance at Outward Bound USA. In 1996 he retired for good and relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Al had a wonderful life in Charlottesville for 28 years, enjoying the company of his partner Candy Goodyear, her extended family, and the many friends he made in the community. He loved a good dinner with friends and family gathered around the table and gave a great dinner party.

Al was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville and the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club (N2YDW). A true believer in exercise, he worked with a personal trainer at Success Studio until he was 93. He was an avid reader of history and mysteries and kept up with current affairs until his last week. His favorite places of retreat were the Pemaquid Region of Maine and Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

Survivors include his daughter Nancy (Bill McIlroy), his son Andrew (Amy), his partner Candy, and his faithful feline, Cupcake. Favorite “Opa” of Isabel and Ellie.

The family is very grateful to his longtime caregivers, Lucy and Lou, his PT, Sherri, and trainer, Melissa, and his wonderful care team at Virginia at Home, Karen and Tuula.

A celebration of life is planned for April 27th at his home.

Donations in memory can be made to a non-profit of your choice.