Neal Shapiro

Neal James Shapiro, a respected retired attorney, devoted family man, and a truly kind soul, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026 at the age of 83, surrounded by family.

Born on February 15, 1943, in St. Paul, MN to Rena and Maurice, Neal was known from a young age for his sharp intellect, wit, and compassion. Neal earned his Bachelor of Science in 1964 from the University of Minnesota. He returned to the University for law school, graduating in 1967, after which he embarked on a distinguished legal career for over 50 years. Neal began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, later founding the law firm Bernick & Shapiro before founding Bernick Lifson, P.A. Throughout his career, Neal was known for his unwavering integrity and dedication to the profession.

A quiet intellectual, Neal possessed a deep love of learning, often found reading multiple books, with a crossword close at hand, and always eager to debate current affairs. Beyond his intellectual pursuits, he loved to cook and share his latest culinary creations with family, friends, and neighbors. Neal also had a passion for sailing, having voyaged many great waters, including as far as the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Australia.

But Neal will be remembered most for his love of family, his wife Judith, sons Marc and Daniel, truly beloved granddaughters, Aviva and Maya, and many dear friends, colleagues, and extended family.

He is survived by wife, Judith; son, Marc (Shira); beloved granddaughters, Maya and Aviva; sister, Frances Corwin (Gregg); nephews, nieces, friends. Preceded in death by son, Daniel; parents, Rena and Maurice; Aunt and Uncle Pearl and Hy Burstein. Funeral Service 12:00 PM Sunday, April 12at Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, 10500 Hillside Ln W, Minnetonka and available on zoom: www.hodroffs.com/NealShapiro SHIVA 7:00 PM, Monday, April 13 at Adath Jeshurun Congregation. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Minneapolis Jewish Federation or Prader-Willi Syndrome Assoc.