Dennis Jay Schapiro

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Schapiro, Dennis Jay April 30, 1946 to May 13, 2014 Dennis died of a sudden heart attack while walking his dog AC around Lake Harriet. Thanks to those who came to his aid in his last minutes. Dennis was a mensch. Though coming naturally by a certain cynicism, he hoped and worked for a better world, especially for children. He spent much of his volunteer energy on A Children's Agenda, identifying ways Minneapolis could do better by its youth. Work in the trenches included many roles in the Minneapolis School District - years of PTO, District Committees and a one-year term on the School Board as well as work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and service as a Hennepin County Guardian Ad Litem. Many lives were touched by his care and concern. A talented writer and journalist, Dennis' career included teaching, writing and publishing, including MetroSports and the Public School Montessorian, a national quarterly journal for public Montessori educators. His company, Jola Publications was based on the names of his sons. On death he was a cornea, skin and bone donor. He will be missed by friends, colleagues extended and immediate family and of course, AC. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Andre; sons, Olatokumbo Shobowale (Sheethal) and Jeremiah Schapiro; grandsons, Hudson and Rafael Shobowale; and sister Renie Schapiro. Preceded in death by dogs, Munchie and Pooker; parents, Arthur Schapiro and Bernice Hartman Schapiro Shafer. Memorials preferred to Way to Grow, Brightwater Montessori or the children's program of your choice. Memorial Service Friday, 10 am, Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis. Shiva at the house following service. Hodroff-Epstein 612-871-1234 hodroffepstein.com

Published on May 15, 2014