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 Honor of Manhasset, Steven Shapiro of Hollywood, FL, and Dr. Matthew Shapiro of Eugene, OR. 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. 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 US. 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 LI Alzheimer's Foundation 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 LI Alzheimer's Foundation, 5 Channel Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050.