The JRB Mourns the Loss of Our Long-Time Trustee Robert Shapiro

With great sadness, the Joint Retirement Board mourns the passing of our long-time Trustee Robert Shapiro. Bob was first appointed to the JRB Board in 1997 as a representative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ).  He served in many roles, most notably as a Chair of the JRB as well as the Chair of the JRB’s Insurance and Finance Committees. 

“He was a consummate gentleman – a real Mensch,” JRB CEO Mitchell J. Smilowitz recounted. “His guidance and counsel to the Board, and to me personally, was invaluable.”

Bob was President of Global Facilities Inc, a regional insurance wholesaler and surplus lines broker. He began his insurance career nearly 60 years ago, becoming a Vice President and attaining seats on the Board of Directors of two insurance companies. He is a former President of Professional Insurance Wholesalers of New York and a member of the Board of Directors of Professional Insurance Agents of New York. He served on National Committees of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices and was a founding board member and former Chair of the Excess Lines Association of New York.

Bob was a former President of the Jewish Community Center of West Hempstead as well as a former Treasurer and Vice President of METNY. He was Chairman of the Insurance Committee of USCJ as well as the first Chairman of Israel Bonds Long Island Insurance Division.

A longtime member of The Order of Knights of Pythias, he served as Deputy Grand Chancellor and Chairman of the Insurance Committee of the Knights of Pythias domain of New York. He was also President for the Pythias Camp for underprivileged children.

“In his more than 25 years on the Board, Bob emphasized building financial security for those working within the Conservative Movement,” stated JRB Board Chair Rabbi Felipe Goodman. “The result – a financially sound denominational retirement plan with more participants, more assets under management and a highly valued complimentary insurance program. May Bob’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.”

July 2023