Peysakh Shapiro, 69, of Shawnee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at his home.

Graveside services were held on Monday, June 11, at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Peysakh was born on June 7, 1943, in Budionovka, Kazakhstan, the son of Yohanan and Khava Shapiro. He spent his childhood in Kazakhstan and Kishinev, Moldova. Peysakh was a very intelligent and creative man, completing two Ph.D. degrees, in physics and engineering. He met Sabina in Kishinev and they were married in 1975. They came to the United States in 1979, after stops in Czechoslovakia, Austria and Italy along the way. They brought their parents with them to begin a new life in Kansas City. With scarce resources, they made sure they took care of their family, their parents and later their children, putting them in a position to be successful and independent. Peysakh lived in Overland Park for more than 20 years before moving to Shawnee in 2007.

Peysakh was awarded several patents for his work, including one U.S. patent for an energy-efficient and low-cost electroluminescent lamp and television display. His other projects included a standing wheelchair for paraplegics, fuel-efficient turbines and engines, instruments to detect fractures in underground pipes, and many more. He was a true renaissance man, with talents spanning numerous fields. His children recall that he was always endeavoring to teach them how things work. He would build a bridge or a telegraph and explain their inner workings.

Peysakh’s greatest desire in life was to give over his knowledge to others, especially his children and leave them a legacy of knowledge and know-how that they could benefit from. He was always trying to improve the community. As Rabbi Daniel Rockoff of Congregation BIAV recalls, “My own interactions with Peysakh were always pleasant and illuminating. Earlier this year, we had a correspondence about certain suggestions he had to further develop our learner’s service at our synagogue. Peysakh had a keen interest in his Judaism and was a man of faith. He was inquisitive and always wanted to learn and explore.” Peysakh also participated in starting a science club to encourage elementary school students to pursue education in math and science and volunteered with a community newspaper.

Peysakh was preceded in death by his parents, Yohanan and Khava Shapiro, and infant sons, Adam and Donald Shapiro. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sabina Shapiro; son, John Shapiro; and daughter, Amenda Shapiro.

The family would like to thank Rabbi Daniel Rockoff at Congregation BIAV for his moving service and continued support.

Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.