Former Newburgh Mayor Joan Shapiro Passes Away

Joan SHapiro

Mayor Joan Muriel Shapiro
11/20/1924-7/22/2014

Joan Muriel Shapiro, 89, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, died peacefully in Florida. She was the only child of Michael and Essie Strawgate of Kingston, NY where Joan spent her childhood.

Joan married, The Silver Fox, her beloved husband Jerry Shapiro on 3/31/1946. They are survived by their loving children, Fern and Howard Ingber, Bruce and Barbara Shapiro, and Michael Shapiro. She is further survived by her adoring grandchildren, Melissa and Bradley Zimmerman, Noah and Angela Shapiro, Mathew and Michelle Ingber, great-grandchildren: Connor, Gabrielle, Emersen and Jakob Shapiro; Sophie and Jordana Ingber; Jillian Zimmerman. And her constant companions, her dogs, Sam and Fluffy.

As a young woman, Joan devoted herself to raising her family. A very high next priority was to make a difference in her community. She was a diligent fundraiser and volunteer for organizations too numerous to list. Joannie had a love affair with her cherished City of Newburgh. No one could have loved the City more than she. Joannie served so proudly as Mayor from 1980-1988. She was unstoppable in her support of police and firefighters. Joan gave every ounce of her being to improving the City and its citizens’ quality of life. Joannie squeezed out every drop of life every day. Her example will continue to be an inspiration to her family. Joannie always said she would rather wear out than rust out.

Joan loved her friends and all became extended family. Her family will be eternally grateful to Emily and Wilbert Sanchez, who cared so lovingly for her until her final moment.

There will be a graveside service for family and friends at 11 am at Congregation Agudas Israel Cemetery, 140 Erie Avenue, New Windsor, NY, followed by a gathering at The Plum Point Condominium Clubhouse approximately 1 mile away.

Shiva will be held at: Howard & Fern Ingber , 20 Green Ct., Middletown, NY
Sunday: 2-4 pm & 7-9pm, Monday: 7-9 pm

Donations in Joannie’s name can be made to Hospice of O.C., Kaplan Family Hospice Center, 800 Stony Brook Ct., Newburgh, NY 12550

Arrangements by Doulin’s Funeral Home, 845-562-0068

One Comment

  • I am so sorry for your loss. I am trying to reach out to Michael for a number of years….This is Jeremy Berman from Monticello and a friend from Albany and Hosp house…Michael …cantact me …canollibeatsbaby@gmail.com or on facebook Jeremy Berman