Burton David "Burt" Shapiro, 88

STEPHENTOWN, N.Y. —  

Burton David (Burt) Shapiro died peacefully on April 29, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts surrounded by his loved ones. He now will now join the light of his life, Melinda Tanzman, who died just this past year on December 21. Burt loved life and made the most of each day while overcoming many challenges. Most of all Burt cherished his family. He put all of his family first and foremost. He was a devoted son to his parents, Isadore and Lillian Oglensky Shapiro; he was a devoted brother to his sister Selma and brothers Edward and Stuart; he was a devoted husband to his cherished wife, Melinda Tanzman, and he was a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather to their large, blended, and beautiful family. He cherished his children unequivocally: his sons, Andrew and Loren from his first marriage to Linda Herbits in 1959; and Melinda’s children from their marriage in 1980, Beth, George, David, and Jayson. He also devoted himself wholeheartedly to his children’s spouses: Christine, Jeanie, Craig, Phelia, Jenifer, and to his grandchildren, Max, Nina, Casey, Leah, Rachel, Ben, and Kaitlin, and to his two great grandchildren, Alexis and Sam. He was a man with an endless capacity to love and he was so loved in return.

Burt was born on May 26, 1935, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to Isadore and Lillian. The oldest of four children, Burt grew up in North Adams and became involved in the fabric of the town. He graduated from Union College in 1957, served in the U.S Army stateside and upon discharge, joined the family business, A. Shapiro & Sons, which had fascinated him from the time he was a little boy. He just loved going to the shop and working with his father. He often quoted his father’s maxim in business: “Dad taught me honesty, and he taught me to always give the customer the best deal he can get.” He was a long-time time member of Congregation Beth Israel, always active in its social fabric and in the community it served. He served as President for many years, continuing the work begun by his grandfather Abraham and his father Isadore.

When he and Melinda married in 1980, they moved to Williamstown, Massachusetts. They played tennis regularly, Burt tended to his amazing garden, and they had a wonderful life together. Later, when Burt’s business wasn’t as all-consuming, they moved to Stephentown, New York, so that they could be closer to Melinda’s work in Albany. Burt cheerfully embraced his now much longer commute to North Adams, usually listening to classical music, an audiobook or NPR, or simply spending the time catching up on the phone with any one of his children or siblings. He loved their life and home in Stephentown, surrounded by beautiful birch trees and his even more expansive garden that overflowed with amazing vegetables every year. He had a passion for hanging flowers, which he hung all around the outside of their home. While they weren’t working, Burt and Melinda regularly traveled to Southwestern Florida for as much time as their busy careers allowed.

In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he is survived by his cherished sister and brother, Selma and Stuart. A younger brother Edward and son David predeceased him.

A 1:00pm graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 1, at Beth Israel Cemetery, 512 Walker Street, Clarksburg, Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Congregation Beth Israel and Berkshire Medical Center, which treated with him care, dignity, and respect in his final days. Donations may be sent in care of Flynn & Dagnoli funeral home 521 West Main Street North Adams. To add to the Book of Memories please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.