Gilbert O. Shapiro passed away on Dec. 23 at the age of 90.
The famed “Officer Gil” was a well-known police officer in the Johnson County area. Originally serving in Overland Park and Lenexa, he found his home with Mission Police in Mission, Kansas. He became known as “Officer Gil” through a morning radio show on WHB, reporting on traffic conditions in the greater Kansas City Area for many years, making him a local celebrity. During this time, he impacted many young people through the Federal Initiative D.A.R.E on drug use education.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he married Jessica Smuckler, his high school sweetheart, and remained married for almost 50 years until her death in 2003.
Gil and Jessica moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became members of Congregation Ohev Shalom and later Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
Gil was a consummate “foodie.” He loved to break bread with those whom he loved.
After retirement, he remained active by acting as a local court bailiff. To keep busy, at the young age of 86, he volunteered to be a driver for seniors at the Jewish Heritage Center. He was a member of R.O.M.E.O. His greatest joy was traveling to Israel to be with his family.
After the death of his wife, he was blessed to meet Ann Tannenbaum. For the last 23 years, Ann and her daughters, Erica (Dave) Bush and Jana (Kenny) Mann, became a second family to him. They brought much love, light and fun into his life.
Gil is survived by his two children, Cheryl (Victor) Stiebel and Bruce (Judy) Shapiro, both of Jerusalem. David Shapiro, his youngest child, predeceased him in 1993.
He leaves behind a great legacy of seven grandchildren: Jason (Ilene) Gold; Raizy (Zvi) Hager; Gitty (Yisrael) Sheinberg; Esti (Rafi) Eberstark; and Aliza (Kalman) Yurman. All will miss him greatly.
His beloved grandson Aaron Gold predeceased him in 2010.
Along with them are 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters, all of whom doted over him; his brother-in-law Joseph Smuckler; nephew Brad (Erin) Smuckler; niece Lisa (Neil) Rothstein; brother, Steve Shapiro, of St. Louis; brother-in-law, Joe Shine, of St. Louis; and many nephews.
The family wishes to thank Rebbetzin Esther Friedman, Brenda Rosenthal and Mindy Wajcman for all their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Torah Learning Center (Meals on Wheels) or Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner.
Graveside services were held on Dec. 26 at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
