IRVING SHAPIRO

Irving Shapiro, 96; led group that helped launch Jimmy Fund By Casey D. Ramsdell Globe Correspondent Irving Shapiro, past president of a volunteer organization that helped launch the Jimmy Fund, died Wednesday at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Roslindale. He was 96. Mr. Shapiro, who worked in the food concession industry and immersed himself in philanthropy, was born in New Jersey and grew up in Boston, attending Boston English High. He graduated from Northeastern University Law School. In 1958, he married the woman who would become his wife of 50 years, Charlotte (Crossman). His first marriage had ended in divorce. Mr. Shapiro served as president of Hub Catering Co., which provided concessions for Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the Brockton Fair, and the dog racing track in Taunton. He also ran a company that sold candy to movie theaters. In 1977, he sold that company to Joseph O’Donnell, owner of Boston Culinary Group. O’Donnell said Mr. Shapiro taught him everything he knew about the business. “Irving was a pioneer in the food service concession business. He was a legendary figure,” said O’Donnell. O’Donnell said that even when Mr. Shapiro sold him the company, he continued to help in the office. He was a generous person, with money and in spirit, said O’Donnell. “Irving was always looking to raise money, sell tickets, or buy trinkets,” he said. Mr. Shapiro was one of the original founders and a past president of what is now The Variety Children’s Charity of New Beloved husband of Charlotte (Crossman) Shapiro. Devoted father of Susan Brenner and her husband Stuart, Judy Belinfante and her husband Geoffrey, Ellen Goldberg and Alice Hackman. Loving brother of the late Dr. Everett Shapiro and his surviving wife Dr. Arnelda Levine, Bernadine “Sis” Shapiro, Leonard Shapiro and his surviving wife Renee, Herbert Shapiro and his surviving wife Shirley. Dear grandfather of Jodi Mottola and her husband David, Jennifer Pontello and her husband Mark, Lisa Stern. Survivors, Lisa Stern and her husband Glenn, Jamie Mendelsohn and her husband Josh, Carrie Youngs and her husband Stuart, and Lacey Belinfante. Loving great grandfather of Scott and Rachel Magerer, Zack and Abby Stern. Services at Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard St., Brookline on Friday September 12, at 10:30 am. Following interment at Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph, memorial observance will be at his residence 210 Nahanton St. Newton until 5:00 pm Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday 1-6 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226