Alan Shapiro, 84 of Woodstock, NY passed away from bladder cancer and complications on March 23rd, 2025, with his family in Manahawkin, NJ. Alan was a proud native of Paterson, NJ, and a special education teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Passaic County. Alan was married to Ronnye Jai Shapiro in a wonderful union that lasted over 60 years.
Alan moved with Ronnye to Woodstock, NY the early 90’s, where he became an active member of the community, supporting environmental causes and volunteering for the town Democratic committee. Alan was a member of the local “Rainbow Family” of artists and musicians that formed the popular drum circle gatherings that continue on the Woodstock Village Green today. Alan remained close and supportive of local leaders and town officials who dedicate themselves to the betterment of the Woodstock community.
Alan was a graduate of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University and, in the late 1960’s, began a 40+ year career educating and advocating for special needs children, including helping children and adults with brain injuries when he moved to Woodstock. For decades, “Mr. Shapiro” received words of gratitude from former students for providing them with the respect and skills that would enable them to lead successful lives.
Alan was an avid reader, with one of his favorite works being The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. In the process of his coming to terms with dying, Alan was moved and inspired by the books Shantaram, and The Spiritual Path by author Gregory David Roberts. He loved photography and travel and enjoyed reminiscing about his visits to the Caribbean and meeting genuine people there. He loved learning about different cultures and their customs.
Alan respected all individuals and raised a family that believes in community service and making the world a better place. Alan’s wife, Ronnye Jai, passed away in 2022. He is survived by his son Brian of Albany, NY, his daughter Sari-Lynne McGovern, and son-in-law Sean with whom he had an incredibly special bond. Alan had a meaningful and beautiful relationship with his two loving granddaughters, Mikaela and Kelsea McGovern, who brought him so much happiness, love and inspiration, his sister Leslie, cousin Barbara and nephew Kenny.
Alan fought bravely and always stayed positive, living each day as though it was his birthday. He stayed with his daughter and family for the past two years and was able to extend his life through medical treatments and support from the Manahawkin community. He was able to revel in an outrageously fun “dinosaur themed” party celebrating his 84th birthday. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jatin K. Desani, Dr. Joseph P. Lattanzi and their staff at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, NJ, for their loving care and instrumental role in extending Alan’s life.
Alan will be deeply missed and always loved. He told us, “The reason we will feel such great loss is because there was such a great love, and that makes the grief worth it.” He will be laid to rest at the Woodstock Artists Cemetery beside his soulmate Ronnye Jai in a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation @davidsdreamandbelieve.org.
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