Norman ( Norm) Shapiro

Norman Shapiro ,90 a lifelong resident of Albany, NY, son of the late Carl and Sally Shapiro passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 07, 2021 at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty, his three children David (Sharon), Robin and Michael, his grandson Timothy (Jennifer), great grandson Alexander, Norman’s brother Allan (Barbara) and his predeceased grandson Ryan Eric.

Born on Elm Street on July 4th, 1930, Norm attended Schuyler High School graduating in 1948. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 during the Korean War serving as an Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd class and was honorably discharged in 1953. Later Norm attended Siena College.

Beginning at an early age, Norm volunteered his time. At 15 he taught swimming for the Red Cross’ first “Learn to Swim” program at Lincoln Park. He later became a water safety instructor and taught a program for physically disabled children. Later Norm gave life saving and SCUBA lessons.

In September 1954 Norm opened “Norm’s Delicatessen and Sandwich Shop” on New Scotland Avenue where he owned and operated what quickly became a “social hub” for 30 Years.

Norm has been known to say “God has been good to me” and wanted to give something back to the community for all his good fortune.

Norm attended Hudson Valley Community College and received his diploma for becoming a clown. Norm’s clown name was “Nippie” and he worked with the children at “Camp Good Days”, Juvenile Diabetes, and children at local hospitals. He was also the President of the “Town Clowns”, Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Chancellor Commander and Life Member of the Knights of Pythias #540, and President of Aquanauts the SCUBA club in 1954.

In 1975, Norm was one of the originators of the Leukemia Radiothon on local radio station, WPTR raising over $55,000.

In 1984 Norm closed his deli. Thanksgivings were different. Because he didn’t have to work, he started cooking at the “Equinox Thanksgiving Dinner” continuing for over 30 years.

Norm tried to stay busy by volunteering at the Albany Jewish Community Center senior dinners, taking organ lessons with his wife and playing poker with the Beth Emeth Brotherhood.

He loved the water. As an avid fisherman, Norm enjoyed spending time fishing with his many friends. He always brought a cooler full of sandwiches to share when he didn’t forget it at the boat dock.

Norm attended Schenectady Community College where he received his diploma in their culinary arts program and continued cooking, making many interesting culinary creations.

He attended a weekend boot camp ham radio class and became a licensed Technician Class amateur radio operator obtaining the call sign KB2SKW. Norm was a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and local amateur radio clubs in Albany (ARA), Schenectady (SARA) and Troy (TARA) After tirelessly practicing Morse code, Norm participated in many ham-fests and contests

Norm also worked as a member of the security teams at the Times Union Center and the Palace Theater for musical concerts, plays and sporting events for over ten years.

Norm received a number of awards including, Red Cross Volunteer of the Year, Leukemia Volunteer of the Year, Pythian of the Year and the Four Chaplains Award for Community Service among others.

A private service for the family will be held on Monday, May 10th at 1:00 PM. The funeral services may be viewed online at the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkvWrZUsdmY.

The family requests donations to be made in memory of Norman Shapiro to Congregation Beth Emeth or Project Equinox.

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