Howard Shapiro Obituary

Howard Neil Shapiro
Howard Neil Shapiro

May 13, 1947 - January 17, 2025
Born in Cleveland, Ohio
Resided in Des Moines, Iowa

Obituary

Howard Neil Shapiro passed away January 17, 2025, at the age of 77. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Temple B’nai Jeshurun, 5101 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.

Howard was born in 1947, to Abe and Adeline Shapiro in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended the Ohio State University where he graduated in 1969 and went on to earn a PhD in 1975. He then moved his young family to Ames where he joined the faculty at Iowa State University.

While at ISU, Howard collaborated with Michael Moran on Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, the preeminent textbook on thermodynamics which recently published its 9th edition. His passion for teaching and service led him to leadership roles in the College of Engineering and the Provost’s Office. In 2005, Howard became the Associate Vice President for Student Services and Undergraduate Affairs at Wayne State University in Detroit. Later in life, he returned to Des Moines and ISU where he continued to inspire a generation of engineering students.

Howie will be remembered for his wit, his warmth, and his ability to find joy in everyday life. He loved traveling and cooking for family and friends. Perhaps he was best known for the limericks he wrote to commemorate special occasions.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lee, and his daughter, Abbe. He is survived by his son, Steve (Rachel); his grandchildren, Ian, Jonah, and Sky; his sister, Gene; son-in-law, Andy, and his dear friend, Terri.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Howie’s memory to the DMARC Food Pantry at https://dmarcunited.org/donate/.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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Services

Memorial Service
Temple B'nai Jeshurun
5101 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA US 50312
Sunday, February 2, 2025
1:00 PM