Robert Aaron Shapiro

March 20th, 2019

Bob hired me to set up the ethics program at the Department of Labor in 1992. From the moment I arrived, I started learning how to be a better lawyer, a better administrator, a better boss, a better contributor to the Agency’s mission, and a better friend. Bob was truly a remarkable boss and coworker. He excelled in patience, honesty, kindness, diligence and legal excellence. A few months ago, when Bob retired, there was a retirement ceremony attended by over a hundred people who’s lives were improved by Bob’s presence and example. Bob’s life ended to soon, but borrow a thought from Frank Capra, it was a wonderful life!

~David Apol
~colleague and friend, Dunn Loring, VA

March 18th, 2019

You have my deepest condolences on Bob’s death.

I was Bob’s officemate at the beginning of his tenure at the US Dept of Labor in DC. We became good friends, and remained so after I left DOL in 1978 and even after I moved to Florida the following year. I just checked to make sure my memory was correct; he was a guest at my wedding in DC in 1985. I include a photo from that simcha of the table where Bob was seated.

Unfortunately, busy lives intervened, and we fell out of touch. I’m glad that a mutual friend, Steve Walanka (I actually introduced Bob and Steve), was able inform me about Bob’s passing.

Bob was smart, funny and kind. I wasn’t a bit surprised that he enjoyed such a successful career at the Department of Labor. He was a superb lawyer. He had a terrific knowledge of the law, but even more outstanding was his judgment about the best way to approach legal problems. He understood the purpose of the law, and always worked to use it for the betterment of our country. He was a devoted civil servant and the American taxpayers were lucky to him on their payroll.

I’ve made a donation to ADL in his memory.

~Kate Waits
~Friend/Former Colleague, Akron, Ohio

March 11th, 2019

One couldn’t ask for a better boss. I worked with Bob since he began working at the Department of Labor in D.C. As he moved up through the ranks, he helped me grow to my potential. He had a winning personality and I never minded getting up each morning to come to work because I knew the atmosphere of the offices he supervised was always pleasant and comfortable. I enjoy being around happy people and Bob such. I was astonished to hear of his death; I will cherish his memory. Rest in Peace, Bob! And my condolences to the family.

~Carolyn Bracey
~previous co-worker, Oxon Hill, MD

March 11th, 2019

I have so many warm memories of Bob. We met at the Department of Labor decades ago. We worked in different Divisions of the Solicitor’s Office, but our work intersected from time to time. I relied heavily on Bob’s unsurpassed knowledge of administrative law, and on his impeccable judgment in all things. Further, Bob and I shared a deep interest in — and reverence for — the history and traditions of the Solicitor’s Office. I know that Bob’s exemplary work and unwavering dedication will be a lasting legacy to the reputation of that Office.

Bob and I often had lunch together, and we continued to meet for lunch after I retired in 2006. We shared a deep love of baseball (different teams, of course), and Bob took me to a Nationals game every year. We exchanged emails on February 22 and 23, just after he arrived in Arizona for spring training. I had hoped to hear about his experience at a restaurant in Phoenix which I had highly recommended to him. I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that he is gone. I will miss him.

~Don Shire
~professional colleague and friend, Potomac, Maryland

March 6th, 2019

Nearly 30 years ago, Bob, I and a few others lawyers from different government departments began getting together for lunch on a fairly regular basis to discuss the latest administrative law issues, regulatory process and generally to share the ups and downs of practicing law with the Federal government. We always enjoyed each others company and over the years, as different people left and joined that lunch group, there was the original core, including Bob, that had a special bond. We were more than just colleagues; we sought and greatly respected each person’s opinions and advice, and none more so than Bob’s. When Bob told me he was retiring, I had very mixed emotions. I realized that I would no longer have his wise counsel and good humor to look forward to at our lunches. I also realized that, going forward, I was the last of that original group still working and attending the lunches. But, I saw that my of loss of Bob’s camaraderie was trivial compared to the excitement he had at starting his next chapter, and getting to spend the entire month of March in Arizona watching baseball.

I am so sorry for your loss. I wanted you to know that among government lawyers Bob was a giant and a true gentleman.

~Daniel Cohen
~Colleague / Friend, Bethesda, MD