Crane Industry Professional, Author Dies at 75

June 8, 2007 • Howard Shapiro, president of Howard I. Shapiro & Associates Consulting Engineers, Lynbrook, N.Y., died May 31 at age 75, according to a recent SC&RA newsletter. Shapiro authored one of the industry's reference volumes, “Cranes and Derricks,” first published in 1980. His sons Jay and Lawrence joined his practice three years later and were listed as co-authors for updated editions of the book in 1990 and 1999. They remain active in the firm as professional engineers and vice presidents.

 

Shapiro served as a consultant for cranes, derricks, rigging, and hoisting equipment and operations, including choice of equipment, siting, and organization of work for general erection and heavy lifts; troubleshooting, evaluation of structures for installation of cranes and effects of crane operation, shoring, bracing and temporary construction means and methods, problem and failure analysis for cranes and hoisting equipment; interpretation of Codes and Standards; accident investigation and expert testimony.

 

Howard Shapiro was regarded for his work on committees involved with the drafting and revision of standards for both technical performance and safety of cranes, hoisting machines and related equipment. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1953 before serving as an officer in the U.S. Army.

 

Howard Shapiro was the husband of Dorothy, his wife of more than 53 years; father of Jay, Lawrence, Gail, and Daniel; and grandfather of Rachel, Sarah, Brian, Adam, David, Derek, Benjamin, and Jayme. Funeral services were June 3.