Manchester Obituary: Dr. Harold Shapiro, 79

Harold O. Shapiro, M.D., 79, of Vernon, loving husband of over 55 years to Ellen (Marmer) Shapiro (aka Dr. Ellen Marmer), passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016 at Vernon Manor with his family at his side.

Born in Minneapolis, MN, the son of the late Barney and Sadie (Fremland) Shapiro, he grew up in Minnesota and lived in New York before moving to Vernon over 46 years ago. Harold completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL, Class of 1959, and he earned his Doctorate in Medicine at the University of Alabama, Class of 1964. He completed his Pediatric Residency at the Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY in 1966. He served in the U. S. Navy Reserve after he completed his medical degree.

Harold was a beloved pediatrician in Vernon for over 46 years. Dr. Shapiro was a Board Certified Pediatrician and he served as Chief of Pediatrics at Rockville General Hospital and Manchester Memorial Hospital. He also served as Assistant State Medical Examiner for Tolland County from 1974 to 1979. He was the Rockville High School Sports Physician from 1976 to present. He was appointed Chair of Pediatrics at ECHN from 1998 – 2008. Harold served on the Board of Trustees at Rockville General Hospital from 1987 – 1990, the Board of Directors at M.D. Health Plan in North Haven from 1987 – 1988, and the Utilization Review for CIGNA Health Plan in East Hartford from 1990 – 1994. Dr. Shapiro was a member of the Connecticut State Medical Society, the Tolland County Medical Society, the Southern Medical Association and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. His wife, Dr. Marmer will continue to care for his patients.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two beloved daughters, Cheri Shapiro of Columbia, SC and Brenda Shapiro and her life partner Lisa Kelly of Durham; two granddaughters, Bethany and Sarah Smith of Columbia, SC; a brother, Sherwood Shapiro and his wife Evelyn of Minneapolis, MN, and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

His family will receive friends for calling hours on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Ladd Funeral Home, 19 Ellington Avenue, Rockville. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in Congregation B'nai Israel Cemetery, Edith Road, Vernon.

Please no flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Community Child Guidance Center, 317 North Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042, Art Center East, 709 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066, or to HVCC Food Pantry, 27 Naek Road, Suite 4, Vernon, CT 06066.

For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.