FOUNDING MEMBER JERRY PETER SCHAPIRA: 1929 - 2019
We are saddened to announce the passing of Jerry Peter Schapira, one of the Association's founding members. Schapira, 90, was born in New York City to Max and Anna; he passed away yesterday at his home in Phoenix. Services will be held Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m. at Sinai Mortuary, 4538 N. 16th St., in Phoenix.
Schapira helped form the Scaffolding Industry Association (SIA) in 1972 and served as its president from 1977 to 1979. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing the affiliate membership position, membership committee, and an advertising committee, which raised money through ads and raffles at the annual conventions.
Jerry also sat on the SIA Insurance Company Board of Directors for eight terms and was president of the former Mountain States Chapter for six years. He received many Association awards, including the one named after his close friend Victor D. Saleeby.
In 1953, soon after returning from the Korean War as an Air Force Staff Sergeant, Schapira and his brother-in-law Shiel Gayler started Action Scaffolding. The business – now in its second generation of leadership – celebrated its 65th anniversary last year. Action, along with branch Waco Scaffolding in Colorado, continue to thrive.
"My dad was a mentor and inspiration to so many in our family, our company, and the industry," Howard Schapira, CEO of Action Scaffolding, says. "I had the absolute pleasure to work side-by-side with him over the last 42 years and learned so much from him in business and in life. My family and our employees, customers, and suppliers will miss him dearly."
In addition to his continued involvement with the business, Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, playing golf, and attending sporting events.
Schapira is survived by his four children – Susan Wagner, Howard Schapira, Robin Constance, and Jeffrey Schapira – eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. His wife, Edith, passed away in 2008.
Donations can be made to The Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoeniz, AZ 85014. For more information, please contact them at 602.530.6992.
