Professor Sidney Shapiro passes away at the age of 90

Professor Sidney Shapiro, former chair of electrical and computer engineering, passed away on September 15, 2022, at the age of 90. Survived by his loving wife, Janice [Yeutter] Shapiro; daughters, Sara Ruth Littlefair and Johanna Sue (Phillip) Kelley; grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Wallace, Erika (Ryan) Bowen, Brian (Taylor) Gifford, Shaina (Isaac Smith) Gifford, Jillian Littlefair and Jason Littlefair; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ayden, Alexander, Zachary, Nathaniel, Lily, Noah and Levi; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

During Shapiro’s career in scientific research, he made several discoveries that helped confirm the theory of superconductivity and the Josephson Effect. While at the University of Rochester, as chair of electrical engineering, Shapiro proposed and saw through to full approval a new educational program for undergraduates. Titled “Take Five” it allows a tuition-free fifth year of study in subjects not part of the student’s major.

9.20.2022