Obituary of Marvin Lincoln Shapiro

Marvin Lincoln Shapiro, a long-time resident of Stamford, CT, who was born in Erie, PA, passed away quickly on Monday, January 18^th just weeks ahead of his 98^th birthday on Lincoln’s Birthday (hence, his middle name). He is survived by his wife, Gertrude (nee Berkman), of 74 years, his children, Susan, Barbara and Jonathan(“Jody”), as well as two granddaughters, Jennifer (Michael) and Casie (Josh) and four great grandchildren, Madison, Everly, Scout and Ellis, all of whom he loved very much. He is also survived by a brother Shia (Rhoda) of Cleveland and was pre-deceased by his older sister, Helen, his father, Hyman, and mother, Flora (nee Burstein) as well as his Aunt Ida and Uncle Joe Burstein who raised him. Mr. Shapiro proudly served 3-1/2 years during World War II after enlisting in the Army Air Corps (predecessor to the Air Force) as a radio operator-gunner on B25’s in the 57^th Bomb Wing flying 50 missions in the Mediterranean theatre flying over North Africa and Italy and, after 6 months home, another 500 hours on the “Hump” to India, China and Burma, surviving a few close-call crashes, earning him an Air Medal, nine oak leaf clusters and eight battle stars. After the “Great War”, he went to Syracuse University on the GI Bill, where in 27 short months he earned his B.S. degree in speech with a minor in radio, as well as beginning his long broadcasting career as student manager of the University’s radio station and married his wife, Gertrude.  His broadcasting career had actually started with him utilizing his deep voice on a local Erie, PA radio station where he did freelance sportscasting and special-events broadcasting.  He went onto become a senior executive with Westinghouse Broadcasting Company (Group W) where during his many years he was in charge of their radio and television stations throughout the U.S. as well as their advertising-related companies and was instrumental in the growth of Group W’s cable television business. He was active in industry-related associations, including President of the Television Advertising Bureau (TVB) and regularly attended many broadcasting-related conventions where he knew many people.

  After he left Group W, Mr. Shapiro did not retire, but, instead, joined a private equity company, now known as Veronis Suhler & Stevenson(VSS), as a managing director where he was involved in several media-related acquisitions and, at the time of his death, was still on the Board of Directors of one such company. Despite ending full-time work at VSS several years ago, Mr. Shapiro continued to be involved in some of VSS’ companies and maintained an ongoing interest in the media business, generally, and broadcasting and cable television, specifically.

  During his leisure time, Mr. Shapiro enjoyed playing doubles tennis at the Long Ridge Swim and Tennis club during the Summer where he and his partner played up to 3-4 hours each Saturday and Sunday in the hot sun (which he loved), ice-skating on the lake next to his Stamford house as well as on the Mianus River (on speed skates no less) during the Winter and spending time managing his investments as well as keeping up with the news. 

A private graveside interment was held in Stamford. Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home (203)-359-9999. To send expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com