Ira Shapira

October 23rd, 2025

Ira was my dear friend and I will greatly miss him.
As youngsters, we were next-door neighbors for 12-years but we were friends forever (well 68 years).
As young kids growing-up, we did a lot of things together – all memorable. We built the best marble-pit on the block and then blew it up with fireworks on the fourth of July. We built a pseudo-bowling alley in Ira’s basement and a photography dark room in my basement. We rode bikes together everywhere – in the neighborhood , to high school (if we missed the bus), to pick-up lunch in the summer at some greasy spoon – it was all great. In high school we did clubs together especially chess club and photography club.We were kids and we were friends.
As adults we interacted less frequently since I lived in New Mexico for 19 years. But when I returned to Chicago, we saw each other more often and did stuff together again. Ira always had some “out-of-the-box” idea for my company’s product- either a new features or some unusual marketing idea. HIs ideas far exceeded my ability to follow-up on all of his thoughts but some were spot-on and easy to implement.
During the past 10-years, Ira would show-up at my office unannounced and he would convince me to take a break and go for lunch .At lunch we talked about everything – family, business, politics. Ira taught me to look past the conventional wisdom and consider (sometimes wild) alternatives. I learned much from Ira about looking at business and life from a different perspective.
I will greatly miss all of this now that Ira is gone. How do you describe a life-long friend as unique as Ira and how do you describe such a loss? Ira’s will be missed by me and I am sure by many, many others – boith family and friends. —- Jamie Wiczer

~Jamie Wiczer
~Friend, Buffalo Grove

October 23rd, 2025

Ira and Elise came into our family through the marriage of our children. In the beginning our relationship was one of courtesy rather friendship. As the years grew we became family. Although there were many miles between our homes the times we did spend together were moments shared with laughter .and good conversation… Not always agreeable but enlightening and food for pondering. I know Ira enriched my understanding especially on the topic of dentistry. I will miss his quirky humor and never ending conversations on nearly any topic. GOD bless him and his family.

~Sophia Gianos
~In law, Wesley Hills, New York

October 23rd, 2025

The positive energy Ira projected about his family and work, helping people who are suffering, was inspiring to so many, including me. It is not often that we meet an inspiring mentor and friend. He had a unique way of understanding and explaining the intricate dynamics of how his treatments can help so many people reduce pain and improve their quality of life. People traveled from all over the world to see him. He will be missed by many.
For 40 years, it was the highlight of my professional experience to have Ira tell me he would travel to a conference because I was also attending. We would spend most of our time discussing and debating the best methods of treating headaches, neckaches, TMJ-related problems, and sleep breathing pathology. He always had new insights that would eventually take the academic community years to recognize.
His kindness and charity upheld the world, as it is said, ‘The righteous is the foundation of the world.” (Proverbs 10:25) . We are diminished by his passing, for ‘when a righteous person departs, it is as if a pearl is lost.’(Proverbs 10:25

~Larry Lockerman, DDS, FAAOP
~Friend, Modiin, Israel

October 23rd, 2025

In the fall of 1993, I overheard a fellow faculty member at the College of Lake County rave about a dentist. Respecting his judgment, I made my first appointment at Delany. At that first appointment, Ira, the consumate diagnostician, after a brief look in my mouth suggested and made an appointment for me to see oral surgeon, Dr. LaTocha. Ira came to that appointment and came to the appointment after the biopsy to be there when Dr. LaTocha told me I had squamous cell carcinoma on my tongue. Ira assisted in finding Dr. Harold Pelzer, then head of otolarynology at Northwestern for my surgery. After radiation treatments,I remained privileged to see Ira every two months for folow-up and care until he could not continue. Ira’s caring professionalism extended to relatives of patients. He advised my son over the phone on sleep apnea. Ira you will be missed. You will remain in our thoughts, prayers and hearts always. Thank you for my life of the past 32 years! With gratitude, Nancy Cook

~Nancy W Cook
~Patient and friend, Lake Villa, IL

October 23rd, 2025

Remembering Dr. Shapira for his brilliance, compassion and devotion to healing. He made a lasting difference in so many lives including my own since 1984.

~Kathleen Decker
~Friend, former employee, &patient, Beach Park, IL.

October 22nd, 2025

I was heartbroken when Kelly told me of Dr Shapira’s passing on Oct. 20, My goodness, the world has lost such a bright and wonderful light – full of goodness and wisdom, care and compassion, humor and love and genuine empathy. As a patient of his for 30 years, I will truly miss his presence in my life. Dr Shapira created a dental practice, along with Mark, that is unsurpassed in its warmth and expertise. But also, Dr Shapira had a way of making me feel like everything was going to be just fine, nothing to worry about. I can’t tell you how much his reassurance and advice at certain times in my life has helped me. In addition to his calm reassurance, his positivity, his genuine interest in me and family – that has been something I looked forward to whenever I saw him – my goodness could we talk! About everything! Books, movies, food, wine, my job, my kids, – that has really meant a lot to me these past 30 years.
I will miss him more than words can say- and I wish I had been able to see him one more time.
To all of the current and previous staff/family at Delany Dental – my family is keeping you all in our thoughts and I’m sending you all love while you grieve the loss of this absolutely wonderful man.

~Diane Schmidt
~Patient and Friend, Wadsworth, IL

October 22nd, 2025

My condolences to Dr. Shapira’s friends and family. In 2016 I had a consultation with Dr. John Kelly that changed my life. He was the first dentist, out of over 20 other consultations with dentists like him, that told me, as an adult, that my mouth was too small. He then told me my best choice was to see Dr. Ira Shapira, which started me on the best path forward, receiving not only the best care, but best advice, on repairing my broken body after a bad skiing accident that went undiagnosed for years. Dr. Shapira treated me for TMJD, mouth expansion and myofacial pain & disfunction disorder. Dr. John Kelly was right, Dr. Ira Shapira not only changed my life, but forever gave me faith that there were knowledgable, kind, healthcare workers, that took the time to learn everything they needed to know, about their work, so they can give their patients, the best care possible. He was a great man, and a great healthcare provider, I will miss him deeply.

~Jennifer Gargano
~Patient, Glendale Heights

October 22nd, 2025

Dr. Shapria is the most interesting man I have ever met. I traveled from Michigan to his Illinois offices for treatment and my rides were never a disappointment. He constantly dazzled with his broad knowledge. I always prepared for my visits with some special questions for him. He was so professional, so knowledgeable and at the same time he carried himself with such grace and humility. A great loss.
My sympathy to the family.

~Timothy G McGrath
~Patient, New Buffalo, MI

October 22nd, 2025

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Shapira. He was my dentist for almost 20 years. He helped me get relief from my sleep apnea when other medical providers were unable to help me. Even though it was an hour drive each way to see him, I went to Dr. Shapira for all of my dental needs. He was always on the leading edge of patient care when it came to dentistry and especially sleep apnea treatment. I will miss my conversations with him about science and medicine and life in general. He was such a kind and generous man and he actually made me look forward to going to the dentist! He changed my life and I will never forget him for that. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

~Nick Winter
~Patient, Forest Park, IL

October 22nd, 2025

We are so saddened to learn of Ira’s passing. He was the most exceptionally innovative, and creative dentist, but, more importantly, our friend. In the early 1990’s, my Mother, after being taken advantage of by Florida dentists, went to see Ira. Billy and our son Jason were school friends. Then in her 80’s, my Mother said she had never been to such an exceptional dentist. Thus began our dental relationship with Ira. Ira was beyond creative and innovative. He performed such amazingly unique work for all of us. My Mother, in her 90’s, attended Jason and Melissa’s wedding, where people were in awe. “She has all her teeth “, people said, not knowing it was Ira’s creativity that made this seem reality. Ira was a devoted father, grandfather, and husband. He devoted himself to Elise in her health struggles. There was so much love in his tireless care. Sadly he lost his second dear wife. Yet, Ira moved along with optimism towards the future. I visited him last August 21, as we lived close. He was optimistic about the future and getting back to work. It’s wonderful to learn in one of the above posts that he was in the office three weeks ago. We will miss Ira. He never failed to ask about Jason, always remembering everything I had shared about Jason’s health. His compassion shined through all his personal challenges. May he rest in peace with all the angels who were blessed to share his life with him.
Love,Deanna, Morry, Jason, Melissa and Alana Sable

~Deanna, Morry, Jason, Melissa, & Alana Sable
~Friends and patients, Highland Park, Illinois

October 22nd, 2025

My heart broke when I received notification of Dr. Shapira’s sudden passing.
He was my knight in shining armor, as I told him many times. He helped me 25 years ago with my TMJ pain when others couldn’t or wouldn’t. Dr. Shapira truly cared about me, and I know every one of his patients. He was an expert in his field.
My sincerest condolences to his family…your father was an amazing man, you were blessed to have him as your father. I will truly miss him.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

~Celeste Moresco
~Patient, Lake Forest, IL

October 22nd, 2025

My deepest sympathy to the Shapira family. Dr. Shapira was a creative and very caring dentist. He always found a way to help the patient.

~Rich Kolaczewski
~Patient, Gurnee, IL.

October 22nd, 2025

Dr. Shapira saved my life 40 years ago with his new innovation of TMJ treatment. I kept him in my contacts and searched him out for dental treatment 5 years ago. He remembered me, so so kind and caring. Feel like he was family. Sending prayers to all.

~Joyce Johnson
~Patient, Berwyn, Ill

October 22nd, 2025

My condolences to his family as well as the family of Delaney Dental.

The world was a better place with his gifts and caring heart for those of us who required more than traditional medicine could offer. He went over and beyond to find solutions to improve the lives of his patients.

He will be missed dearly.

His memory will live on in his important work and in his research that will benefit those for years to come.

Rest in peace.

~Dr. Cheryl Lentz
~patient, Grayslake, IL

October 22nd, 2025

Ira was such a caring, tolerant and charismatic person. I will always remember him.

~Peter Mueller
~patient and friend, Budapest, Hungary

October 22nd, 2025

Ira was a man whose brilliance was matched only by his warmth. His intelligence shone through in every conversation — not to impress, but to inspire. He had a rare gift for making complex ideas simple, and for making everyone around him feel wiser just by being in his presence.
Beyond his intellect, Ira’s true greatness was in his heart. He cared deeply — about people, about learning, about doing good. He was the kind of person who listened fully, who noticed when someone needed encouragement, and who quietly helped others become the best versions of themselves. His kindness was steady, genuine, and without condition. Ira knew how to be a good friend, always present. He valued family above all.
Ira’s sense of humor was another of his gifts. He could bring light to any moment, reminding us not to take life too seriously, even when it got heavy. His humor was contagious — a mix of wit, joy, and warmth that always made the room feel brighter.
What stood out most, though, was Ira’s curiosity. He approached life with an open mind and a positive spirit, constantly exploring, asking, and learning. That curiosity made him forever young — engaged, excited, and full of wonder about the world. His contributions to his field and the body of science are unfathomable. Ira was the epitome of an out-of-the-box thinker. My wife Laura, my son Philip, and I are genuinely better for having known Ira. Working alongside him and sharing a friendship over all these years has enriched my life in countless ways. His example taught me not only how to think more deeply, but how to live with greater kindness.
Ira leaves behind a legacy of intellect, compassion, humor, and optimism — qualities that continue to ripple through the lives of all who knew him. He made people feel seen, valued, and capable. And though he will be deeply missed, the light he shared remains in every life he touched.

May you, his family find comfort in your memories.

ברוך דיין האמת
שלא תדעו עוד צער

~Mark Freund
~Personal and Professional, Rehovot, Israel

October 22nd, 2025

So very saddened by this loss. Dr Ira had been my dentist for over 35 years. I was heartened to see him at the office three weeks ago. He examined me. It was so special to see him. I too am fighting cancer. He was my dentist and also a good friend.

My heartfelt sympathy to the family of this fine man. May he rest in peace.

~Robert Ralston
~Patient, Gurnee, illinois. 60031

October 22nd, 2025

My heart sank when I read of Dr. Shapira’s passing. I have been a patient of his for 27 years, and he was the only one who was able to solve the tension headaches I endured. I began seeing him for treatment in college, and there is no doubt that he gave me my quality of life back. I am forever grateful to him and his staff, with whom I interacted over so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. Gone too soon, but what a tremendous impact he made on the lives of others. Every time I was in the office, he would always tell me about his children and grandchildren. He was so unbelievably proud! Dr. Shapira, you will be missed.

~Molly Keppler
~Patient, Barrington, IL

October 22nd, 2025

my deepest sympathy to the family he was a very caring dentist

~howard m zolt
~patient, Skokie

October 22nd, 2025

Truly, a brother to me. When I met Ira, I had no other opportunity to propel my professional dental degree. IIra gave me that opportunity..
I recall him saying that he could not keep an associate DENTIST in the office. I told him if you hire me you’ll never get rid of me. This was a 1988. It’s now almost 2026, so about 38 years of companionship, brotherhood, personal growth, and the creation of an incredibly beautiful business whose basis was about love, caring, and providing the most exquisite experience that anybody could have at a dental office. Not an easy task. Ira was the idea, man, Mark the expediter. A partnership like the one I had with Ira is unheard of. God bless you, Ira may you be at peace eternally.
Thank you so much for making me wanna be there for you through thick and thin, like you were for me.

I’ll see you around, brother. But not yet.!
Love you
Mark

~Mark Amidei
~Business Partner Delany Dental Care, Gurnee IL 60083

October 22nd, 2025

My condolences to Dr. Shapira’s friends and family. He was a great Dentist and helped me a lot over the years, especially about two years ago when I was having trouble with a tooth and he fixed it in a second! God bless him and his family!

~Mike Korkowski
~Patient at Delany Dental Care, Antioch, Illinois

October 21st, 2025

I worked with Ira for just a year as Managing Editor when he was Editor in Chief of CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice. I visited him in Highland Park for one weekend to train him for the work with CRANIO. We had such a good time together. We laughed a lot and enjoyed each other’s company. Ira loved the journal and wanted so badly for it to succeed. The publisher had other ideas, cutting my salary to such a low rate I was forced to quit the position. Ira struggled the 2nd year with me trying to help him while working a new job. He then grudgingly gave up the position because the publisher would not support him with another Managing Editor. Ira and I kept in touch over the years with emails, texts, cards, and phone calls. It was always such a treat to hear his gravelly “Hello!” on the other end of the phone. He made me laugh. He made me smile. He was so full of life; so full of joy. I adored him. I will miss him so much! My heartfelt condolences go to his family, whom I know he loved with all his heart.

~Donna Knauss
~Friend/co-worker, Chattanooga, TN

October 21st, 2025

Such sad news. Ira was always teaching, always willing to help, always there to pick up the phone and help with a patient. Great memories from shadowing in his office and spending time at meetings and dinner outings. Truly a giant in our industry and will be deeply missed. God bless you Ira……..Life well lived

~William C Poe V DDS
~friend, colleague, student, LOS ALAMITOS