Ronald Alan Shapiro

Beloved son of the late Sylvia Cohen and the late Melvin Shapiro and stepson of the late Sam R. Cohen; dear brother and brother-in-law of Maureen Rudman and Shelly Shapiro (Glenn Amster); dear uncle of Douglas Rudman (Caryn), David Rudman (Julia), Derek Rudman (Cindy), Benjamin Amster (Anna Robinson) and Sophie Amster; our dear great-uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Following his student days at Washington University and Army service during the Vietnam War, Shapiro found his calling operating a series of art house movie theatres in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

He moved to Oxford, MS in 1975 and established the Hoka Theatre and Moonlight Café. The venue became a celebrated cultural location for 20 years. Home to Oxford’s burgeoning literary and art scene, the Hoka also welcomed national names of the day including Forrest Gump author Winston Groom, Chicago 8 activist Abbie Hoffman and Roots author, Alex Haley. Local authors the late Willie Morris, Barry Hannah

and Dean Faulkner Wells (niece of William Faulkner) were regulars.

In later years Shapiro operated the Main Squeeze juice bar and The Shelter Café in Oxford. His celebration of the arts remained constant throughout his life.

Visitation Friday, August 23rd 12:30 PM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Blvd, followed by funeral service at 1:00 PM. Interment Chevra Kadisha Cemetery. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. There will be a celebration of Ron’s life in Oxford, MS at a later date. Memorial contributions preferred to The Jewish Federation of Oxford, The Ron Shapiro Memorial Fund, 227 Olde Castle Loop, Oxford, MS 38655 or your favorite charity.