Marty Shapiro, 84, died peacefully in his Santa Barbara home on Feb. 22, 2024. Marty lived a full and gratifying life and was loved by so many friends, family, students and colleagues for his kindness, generosity and humor. Like the Monty Python song says, Marty always looked on the bright side of life.
Martin Shapiro was born in 1939 to Dorothy and Ben Shapiro of The Bronx, New York – the third of six children who have remained close all of their lives. Marty’s love of music began early, at the side of his mother, a pianist and singer who performed on Jewish radio. Marty attended The Bronx High School of Science, and majored in engineering at CCNY, until he made the life-changing decision to switch to music.
By the time he graduated, he had become a skilled guitarist and was eager to continue his music studies. Attracted by the Bay Area student activism of the early 60s, he set his sights on UC Berkeley. Cal’s music department needed a lute player, and he stepped up to meet that need. Marty and his lute caught the attention of young music major Marian Auerbach. The two bonded as idealists, supporting the Free Speech Movement, Anti-War, and Civil Rights movements.
When they finished their degrees, they set out for Vienna’s Music Academy in Austria and spent a year studying, practicing German, and hitch-hiking throughout Europe. While visiting aunts and uncles and cousins in Israel, they got married, before returning to California to start a family.
In the late 60s, UCSB began offering a PhD in Musicology. Marty brought Marian and baby Joel to Santa Barbara, and they fell in love with the beautiful weather and ocean and mountain scenery.
College teaching was a perfect channel for his extensive knowledge, creativity and wit. Who else would, on the first day of “Intro to Music Listening,” herald his own arrival by playing Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra (aka the theme of 2001: a Space Odyssey)?
Home on the Range (or Toto, I don’t think we’re in the Bronx anymore) At the age of 30, Dr. Shapiro moved his young family (now with baby Lanya) to Hays, Kansas, and began his career as a Professor of Music. He taught many music history and music appreciation courses, including two courses he developed called The History of Rock Music and Jazz Folk Rock. He also led the symphony’s viola section and taught classical guitar and folk guitar. Students loved his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and kindness.
Being a dad was important to Marty. Every year, he led exotic family adventures to places such as Estes Park, the Ozarks, Lion Country Safari, Canada, Mexico, and eventually Europe. He drove long road trips to New York to see his parents, siblings and cousins. Wherever they went, Marty sought out museums, exposing his kids to culture. While bemoaned at the time, this trait lives as an enduring legacy in his grown children.
Maybe the only thing that made him happier than a good museum was a good concert… or a classic movie! His interest in films led to his producing the long-running Classic Film Series at FHSU and led to a gig introducing films on KOOD public television. He also loved serving on the board of High Plains Public Radio.
After a 31-year teaching career, Marty realized a long-time dream of retiring to Santa Barbara. He loved playing viola in the SBCC orchestra and writing concert program notes. Later in retirement, although nerve compression robbed him of his hand dexterity and the ability to play guitar and viola, Marty remained remarkably upbeat – finding pleasure in concerts, operas, ushering at and watching classic films. He enjoyed senior exercise classes, daily walks in the neighborhood with Marian, and most of all, being a grandpa.
At the age of 83, Marty suffered a major frontal lobe stroke followed by a traumatic brain injury, ultimately leading to advanced dementia. His love of connecting with people persisted to the end – warmly greeting visitors and caregivers alike with a kind word and warm touch.
He is missed by his wife Marian, children Joel and Lanya Shapiro (Vito Di Bona), and grandsons Joshua and Ari
Friends wanting to honor Marty: In lieu of flowers, consider contributing to one of his favorite causes: ACLU.org, Anti-Defamation League, High Plains Public Radio, or Hospice.
A Celebration of Marty’s Life will be held Saturday, June 29, from 2-4pm at Live Oak Unitarian Congregation. We invite those who knew Marty and would like to share some thoughts/memories of him to join us on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/991200709 Questions: [email protected]