Harold Stephen Shapiro

Harold Shapiro passed away leaving behind a life defined by purpose, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his family.

Harold was born in New Britain, Connecticut on September 28, 1942, to Benjamin and Doris Shapiro, first and second-generation immigrants who instilled in him a deep appreciation for opportunity, hard work, a strong Jewish identity, and a lasting curiosity about the world. He carried those values with him throughout his life. He graduated from C.W. Post College and was briefly enrolled at Northwestern’s law school before realizing that civic service through community development was his true calling; an insight shaped by his early experiences helping others around the world. He went on to earn a master’s degree in city Planning from the University of British Columbia, which set the foundation for his lifelong career in public service.

Early in life, Harold set out to see the world and immerse himself in it. He lived in Ethiopia as a member of the Peace Corps, teaching English, and later in Greece working on research projects, directed and funded by the Department of Commerce, focused on strengthening the economies of small villages. These experiences shaped him in lasting ways, giving him a deep appreciation for other cultures, a lifelong curiosity about international foods, and a commitment to exposing his children to a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Harold went on to build a distinguished career in public service, spending nearly 40 years in local government in upstate South Carolina. As Executive Director of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments, he played an integral role in helping develop the region through thoughtful planning and the awarding of financing to public and private ventures dedicated to growth and community improvement. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent by Governor Mark Sanford, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. True to his nature, he accepted it quietly and without much fanfare.

Above all else, Harold was a family man. He was the devoted husband of Patricia Shapiro for 47 years and a proud and deeply committed father to Matthew Shapiro and Michelle Howard. To his children and grandchildren, he was constant. He never missed what mattered. Games, milestones, or the everyday moments in between, he showed up for all of it with encouragement, pride, and a quiet steadiness that made everyone around him better. He was the ultimate fan, the steady presence on the sidelines and at the table, always encouraging, always proud, and always asking how he could help.

He is also survived by his daughter- and son-in-law Lauren Shapiro and Rob Howard; his grandchildren Andrew Howard and his wife Mara, Justin Howard and his partner Emma, and Allison Howard, and Benjamin and Henry Shapiro; his great-granddaughter Georgia; and his brother and sister-in-law Mark and Suzanne Shapiro.

Harold lived a full and curious life outside of his work. He loved classical music and was an accomplished oboe and piano player. He loved tennis—both playing and watching—and especially treasured trips to the US Open with his son. He was deeply ingrained in the local Jewish community and took great pride in seeing his grandson Benjamin become a bar mitzvah. He was an avid cook, a devoted ice cream enthusiast like his father before him, and a voracious reader who could easily spend eight hours a day with a book.

He touched countless lives through his work, his kindness, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He was a mensch in the truest sense, gentle, generous, and always more focused on others than himself.

Dad, we promise to turn off the lights when we leave the room.