Michael Shapiro

Michael Shapiro died on Jan. 26th, 2013 at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City after a 13 year battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Joan Dworkin-Shapiro and a stepson David Dworkin.

Mike was born on Oct. 6th, 1943. At age 21, he joined the Army and served in Germany as a cook. Upon his return to the United States he worked in the kitchens of many fine hotels.

In the 60's, he moved to California for a few years. He often reminisced about his San Francisco years.

Returning to Hoboken, he had several jobs before he got a job with Amtrak as a Trackman. He liked working for the railroad and the camaraderie with his co- workers. He never complained about rising at 5:30 am, and working outdoors on cold wintery days in Sunnyside yard in Queens.

In 1981 he met his present wife, Joan. They married in 1992 and bought a house in Treadwell, New York. This charming hamlet, in the West Catskills, is now a village of artist's with a yearly open house art festival.

Joan is an oil painter and Mike began photographing old beat up cars with rust and layers of colors from old paint. He loved old cars and sometimes would restore one.

He enjoyed fishing with his buddy, Howie. Mike had a huge collection of rods, reels and lures. He even designed and made his own colorful fishing lures. For awhile he sold at local flea markets. He loved his country boy persona and was anxious to retire and live in Treadwell full time.

In September 1999, his Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia was discovered during a routine blood test. His life was never quite the same. For almost 5 years, he required no treatment. He accepted early retirement at age 62 because he wanted to spend his time in the country doing the things he loved. Throughout this challenging time Mike showed admirable strength of character and dignity as he dealt with his illness.

For the past 2 years when Mike was confined to the NYC apartment, he became an expert on coffee, buying green beans and roasting them himself. Later, grinding them and making Expresso. He experimented mixing beans together until he found what he liked. When he tired of coffee, he began to make apple pies and tarts.

Mike will be remembered and missed by many people.

A memorial will be held to honor Mike, in Manhattan on February 17th from 2PM to 4PM only at Redden's Funeral Home on 325 West 14th St.

Mike will be buried in Treadwell Cemetery in upstate NY, in the early spring, to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Leukemia and Lymphoma Society", 475 Park Ave South, 8th floor, NY, NY 10016.

Please write "in memory of Michael Shapiro" on the envelope.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.