Sapir was devoted to education, loved life

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Louis Sapir, a longtime Riverdale resident, died peacefully on March 14, with his daughters at his bedside. He was 95.

Mr. Sapir graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School and went on to the City College of New York and Columbia University, where he received a master’s degree in economics. He lived in Riverdale for almost 50 years before moving to New Hampshire in 2001.

Mr. Sapir made his career as a securities analyst, but he was also involved in local educational institutions during his time in Riverdale. He served as a board member for the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture and the Riverdale Mental Health Association, and was an adjunct professor at the Manhattan College School of Business.

Mr. Sapir’s commitment to service was evidenced through his leadership roles in numerous philanthropic and educational institutions. His breadth of knowledge and zest for life were demonstrated through his interest in nature, philosophy, ethics, economics and art as well as his love of boating, fishing, tennis, travel, yiddishkeit, or Jewishness, and food. Mr. Sapir’s admiring friends appreciated his humor, wisdom and generous spirit.

Predeceased in 2014 by his wife Carolyn Kupferberg Sapir, he is survived by his loving family, including his two daughters, Margaret Sapir of Wilton, Conn., and Joan Sapir of Newton, Mass., and two sons-in-law. He is also survived by four devoted grandchildren, Carel Sapir Ristuccia and Molly Sapir Ristuccia of Newton, Matthew Sapir Ristuccia of Sherborn, Massachussetts, and Jared Sapir Rapoport of Stamford, Connecticut, and by three great-grandchildren.

Family said in keeping with Lou and Carolyn’s devotion to children and education, contributions in his honor may be made to the Elinor M. Ristuccia Fund, Massachusetts Advocates for Children, 25 Kingston St., 2nd Floor, Boston,‎ MA‎ 02111. For funeral and tribute information, please visit www.rand-wilson.com.

Louis Sapir