After graduating high school, Don enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II. Once the war ended, he attended N.Y.U. and graduated with a degree in Business Accounting. Don then decided to go on an adventure. He traveled and worked throughout the southwest, spending most of his time along the U.S./Mexico border.
Don fell in love with El Paso and made it his home in 1956. He started Action West Apparel Company in 1965. At its peak, Action West employed more than 650 people. Included among the executives were all of Don’s children, making it a true family business. Once Action West sold in 2003, Don focused on his real estate investments.
Six weeks after Don met the love of his life, Bobbi Alovis, he married her. They were married for 69 years. They have 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Don had a real zest for life and was a man of many interests, including tennis, hiking, long walks, travel, watching sports, and cheering on his NY Giants Football Team. He loved people, nature, being in the sun, and the ocean. Dogs were his favorite animal. Don also loved working and making deals. He could be found downtown at his office until he was 96 years old. His greatest joy of all was spending time with family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife Bobbi Shapiro, his son Steve Shapiro, his son Randy Shapiro (wife Virginia Windle Shapiro), and his daughter Lori Shapiro, all of El Paso, Texas.
Don is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Melanie Shapiro Godin (Husband Ryan Godin), Rebecca Shapiro Rettke (Husband Andrew Rettke), Stephanie Shapiro (Partner George Rodriguez), Windle Shapiro and Carson Shapiro. Don had the joy of meeting his first great-grandchild, Hunter James Godin, in December 2024.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and Ira Shapiro of New York, and his beloved brother George Shapiro.
The Shapiro Family would like to send out our heartfelt Thanks to Don's wonderful caregivers for the extraordinary care they provided. Maria Dixon, Veronica Saenz, Catherine Duque, and Maria De Weeks. To the entire staff at Bartlett Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living, we are forever grateful.
Don was an inspiration to many with his positive attitude, his work ethic, and his genuine kindness.
He was always up for a celebration of any kind. He was quick with a smile and his laughter was extremely contagious.
Please join us for the memorial service of Don Shapiro.
(Friday) January 31st, 2025 2:00pm
Martin Funeral Home 128 N. Resler Dr. 79912
A life very well lived.
A man greatly loved.
He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers,
Please consider making a contribution to a fund in memory of Don Shapiro at:
The El Paso Community Foundation
*For online- epcf.org
*To call- 1 (915) 533-4020
*To mail- P.O. Box 272 El Paso, TX. 79943
*To visit in person- 333 N. Oregon St. 2nd floor
El Paso, TX. 79901
