Eileen Rodgers Thompson, former Broadway and Columbia Records singing star, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2003 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC.

Formerly of Manhasset, she is survived by her husband of 45 years, retired New York Marketing Executive Bill Thompson. They have lived in their home on Lake Norman in Cornelius for the past 6 years. Also survived by their son, Wm. J. Thompson III of Charlotte, daughter-in-law, Maribeth and granddaughter, Emily Lynn; son, Mark Thompson of Manhasset, daughter-in-law, Rachel and grandsons Luke and Christopher.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA and starting as a nightclub entertainer, Eileen became lead vocalist with the Charlie Spivak Orchestra and was signed by Columbia Records and recorded over 30 singles and 2 albums in the 1950's and 60's. She was discovered by the legitimate theater while appearing in the New York musical review Chic,'and won critical acclaim in her Broadway debut singing the show stopping "Gentleman Jimmy" in the Tony Award winning Fiorello. She next played the leading role of Nita in another George Abbott directed musical Tenderloin.'On May 15, 1962, Eileen opened in the lead role of Reno Sweeney in the revival of Cole Porter's Anything Goes' at the Orpheum Theater in Manhattan. Her leading man was Hal Linden. Following a year in New York, it became the first Broadway production to open in Las Vegas. Mr. Linden was replaced for the extended Vegas run by Hollywood Squares' Peter Marshall.

Other Broadway credits include her Music Awards singing role of Bobo in the original cast album of Oh! Captain opposite Tony Randall. In 1966 she was standby for Ethel Merman for the Richard Rogers Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun, a part that Ethel originated in New York 30 years before! She and Ethel became great friends.

Eileen appeared frequently in most of the TV musical shows of the time, including Ed Sullivan, Dick Clark, The Tonight Show and The Jimmy Dean Show. The "Chevrolet 50th Anniversary' TV Special starred Eileen and Art Carney, and she received standing ovations while appearing at Carnegie Hall with Vic Damone and The New York Philharmonic Orchestra in a black tie tribute to Cole Porter.

Her last professional appearance was at the Palmer House in Chicago with comedian Bob Newhart. Her musical director was Jerry Alter and her reviews were smashing. Following that engagement, she learned that she was pregnant with her first child. She put away her music and never sang again professionally. She decided that she would much rather be Super Mom than Superstar.

A funeral mass to celebrate her life was held Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Entombment followed at Forest Lawn East Mausoleum in Matthews.

Alvin Shapiro of North Hills died at age 76 on July 19, 2003 from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. Beloved husband of 54 years to Helen (nee Rosenberg). Loving father of Debbi Honorof of Manhasset, Steven Shapiro of Hollywood, FL and Dr. Matthew Shapiro of Eugene Oregon. Cherished grandfather of Marshall, Lindsay, Aaron and Alex. Adored father-in-law of Alison Erde.

Al Shapiro was born on Sept. 7, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY. After a stint in the Army, he attended City College and received a BA degree. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service for 33 years, the last 15 as International Tax Manager for the Northeast Region of the United States. In 1961, he received an MBA from St. John's University.

During the 1970s, he traveled to Paris to sign an international tax treaty between Britain, France and Germany on behalf of the US government. After retiring from the IRS, Mr. Shapiro worked as an international tax manager for KPMG Peat Marwick.

Al Shapiro will best be remembered as a devoted family man with the highest of ethical standards and a strong commitment to his profession. He loved classical music and gardening and was very handy around the house.

During the last five years of his life, he became a strong and vocal advocate for erasing the stigma related to Alzheimer's disease. He became active in the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation's Early Stage Support Group and went out on speaking engagements to discuss his experience with Alzheimer's.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation, 5 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050.