Funeral Details

Joshua Micah Shapera, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away on Friday Dec 18 From complications from his battles with cancer.

It is hard to sum up the life of a man who was so talented in so many areas, and so loved by so many people. Josh made an impact on everyone around him and lived his life with passion, integrity, and a heart that had room for everyone.

Josh’s early years shaped him into a person with grit and determination- he worked hard for every accomplishment, he pushed himself to every goal. He learned to be self reliant and handy- and as an adult, Josh could build or repair just about anything. After Josh's transplant, he decided he would rehab the kitchen, transforming it and learning to build custom poured countertops by watching youtube videos. He installed floors, decks, bathrooms and a patio, all self taught. He built a beautiful home for his family with love. He created a garden with more tomatoes that we could eat. Daddy can fix anything, is the mantra in our home.

Josh put himself through school at Columbia College Chicago and began a successful 20 year career in the music business, working first in R&B, producing and engineering for major artists before diving into Indie Rock. Josh found his passion in production work, and a kinship with his creative partner Pat, and the many bands that came through his studio. Josh was respected for the work he did and the way he did it- he took on projects that he believed in and pushed himself and the artists to sound their best. He was a champion of his friends' and colleagues' work.
Creative work collaboration with artists can be difficult but Josh's respect in the music industry came not only for his technical work but because of his heart and how he treated people.

Josh was an Educator, teaching and sharing his knowledge of Recording and Engineering at Columbia. He was a respected member of the department, and he made an impact on scores of young emerging engineers. Countless students over the years not only kept in touch with Josh, but continued lasting friendships and mentorships, or working with Josh on their own projects.

Josh loved to Embrace. He had a hug that would envelop a person in his warmth. He would open his arms and say "Let's Embrace" and anyone could fold into those arms and feel warm for that moment. Josh remembered everyone's birthday and was a master gift-giver, remembering a small detail that could make someone happy.

When Josh decided to be a dad, it was instant and fully. The decision to become a family was so easy for him. When Levi was born Josh said he had never felt so happy in his life, and when Sophie was born he said he felt complete. He was so proud of our family. Every single thing Josh did in his life was with our Family first in mind. Josh created routines with the kids that included the library, parks, picnic lunches, bike rides and their favorite hikes through the Reed Turner Forest preserve. He made all of our dinners and breakfasts - we called it Dad Cafe because he would make anything we wanted. Josh was always striving, always working for us - he was only months away from his masters in IT, something that he took on as a second career.

Josh loved being a dad more than anything. Being at home with the kids many long days, he was patient and generous, and loving. He created something new for us everyday, and at the end of the day he would say "I dadded so hard today, honey." and I would say "I know you did, honey."