Marvin Shapiro
On January 8, 2021 Marvin Shapiro passed away peacefully with his family at his side. After being born in Chicago, Illinois to Louis and Genevieve Shapiro on July 14, 1927, the family later moved to University City in the St. Louis area. While attending University City High School, Marvin played baseball and ran track winning the county 100 yard dash with a best time of 10 seconds flat. After graduating high school, he joined the Merchant Marines until the end of World War II and then attended Washington University graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Upon graduation Shampaine Industries hired him full time but his career was interrupted by the Korean War during which time he served as a lieutenant in the Air Force. While stationed in Greenville, Mississippi he married Beryl Howard of Dearborn, Michigan on March 1, 1952 which began the start of a very happy marriage of 66 years. His work with Shampaine Industries resumed in St. Louis after his discharge from the Air Force and was later transferred to Memphis, Tennessee. After Shampaine Industries was acquired by Borg-Warner Health Products, Marvin was transferred back to St. Louis which eventually led him to become president of the company. He had a lifelong passion for sports (especially the St. Louis Cardinals), bridge, casino games (poker and craps), and horse and dog racing. As Marvin became an extremely fine bridge player, accruing over 5000 master points, he traveled throughout the United States and abroad, playing bridge and competing with the finest players in the world. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beryl, and his parents, Louis and Genevieve, while being survived by his daughters, Jayme Norman (Walter) and Lauren Gore (Mike), his sons Marvin (Martha) and Howard along with eight grandchildren Leigh Shapiro, Drew Shapiro, Travis Hennessey, Hailey Hennessey, Alex Norman, Jessica Norman, Sarah Shapiro, and Maya Shapiro. To all the bridge players in the community who are saddened by his death; take solace in the fact you now have a chance to finish first in the bridge game at the St. Louis Bridge Center.
Marvin was one of the nicest guys I ever met . He always greeted me with a smile and a nice comment. Marvin and Beryl will always be missed
We did not know Marvin or Beryl very well, but know their son Marvin quite well. They did a nice job of raising him to be a fine gentleman so I know they were great people. They will be missed and our prayers are with the whole family!
I knew Beryl & Marvin from the Bridge Center. They were both true competitors and such nice people. You never heard a cross word across the table. They will be missed by their bridge family.
Marvin certainly lived an interesting life. May his good memories last a lifetime. He may be gone, but not forgotten. May it be of some comfort to his family to know his friends care.
I was lucky enough to have partner with Marvin in several bridge games at the SLBC, and needless to say, we always did well thanks to Marvin. He was the perfect gentleman at all times (even when I made a mistake). Beryl and I played regularly and I will miss both of them as will the players at the SLBC. Now that they are reunited, they can play with the best heaven has to offer! ♥️♥️
Marvin and Beryl were the kindest and most generous couple I have known. They treated me like a member of their family. I miss them so much.
I loved both of them and the whole family. They always make me feel like a part of them! I will miss them both!
Marvin’s charisma and kindness always made for a happier day when engaged in conversation with him.
He always had a smile and a good word. He will be missed. He and Beryl were a delightful couple. Marvin’s bridge accomplishments were many, and at the highest levels.
My wife Karen Erlanger and I are deeply saddened by the news of Marvin’s death but we know he was just waiting to rejoin his beloved wife Beryl. Our St Louis Bridge community has lost a great friend.
Marv and Beryl were wonderful people and wonderful and treasured friends.
Marv, baby, you’ll be missed.
Marvin and Berle were the overall most upbeat sweetest couple of my lifetime. Amazing people skills.
Loved their family, loved their friends and dearly loved each other. Positivity galore!
Marvin’s 10 flat 100 yard dash is unbelievable!